About Mrs. Cook
Mrs. Cook grew up in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. After high school, she went to Wayne State College and graduated in 2013 with her K-12 Art Education Degree. This is Mrs. Cook's seventh year working in Gretna, and she previously taught in Omaha at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School for four years. During that time, she earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Creighton University. She finished her Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree from Doane University in August of 2019.
Mrs. Cook is the oldest of three children in her family, with a younger sister-Emily and a younger brother-Connor. She has three nephews and a niece, Jackson-5, Edward-4, Carter-2, and Jovie was born July 27, 2023.
Mrs. Cook married her husband, Ryan, in October 2014. Before they got married, they had been dating for 4 years. They met in college through mutual friends. Shortly before they got married, they got a dog named Miles. He is a black lab/blue heeler mix born in January 2014. In January of 2020, they welcomed their first daughter, Callie.
Mrs. Cook's passions include traveling and running. She has combined these passions into a life-goal of running a race in all 50 states. She is currently up to 10 states. She currently has Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Washington, Oklahoma, Utah, and Ohio. She has ran 3 half marathons, all in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mrs. Cook is the oldest of three children in her family, with a younger sister-Emily and a younger brother-Connor. She has three nephews and a niece, Jackson-5, Edward-4, Carter-2, and Jovie was born July 27, 2023.
Mrs. Cook married her husband, Ryan, in October 2014. Before they got married, they had been dating for 4 years. They met in college through mutual friends. Shortly before they got married, they got a dog named Miles. He is a black lab/blue heeler mix born in January 2014. In January of 2020, they welcomed their first daughter, Callie.
Mrs. Cook's passions include traveling and running. She has combined these passions into a life-goal of running a race in all 50 states. She is currently up to 10 states. She currently has Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Washington, Oklahoma, Utah, and Ohio. She has ran 3 half marathons, all in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Resume
Dedicated, ambitious and goal-driven educator with ten years of experience in an elementary and middle school setting. Actively involved in many areas of education including curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and professional development. A self-driven leader with excellent interpersonal skills who effectively collaborates with all levels of staff members and fosters quality relationships with students.
Education
MASTER OF EDUCATION
Curriculum and Instruction
Doane University
2018-2019
August 2019
GPA:4.0
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Educational Leadership
Elementary Administration
Creighton University
2014-2017
May 2017
GPA:4.0
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Education
K-12 Art Endorsement
Wayne State College
2009-2013
GPA:3.88
Curriculum and Instruction
Doane University
2018-2019
August 2019
GPA:4.0
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Educational Leadership
Elementary Administration
Creighton University
2014-2017
May 2017
GPA:4.0
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Education
K-12 Art Endorsement
Wayne State College
2009-2013
GPA:3.88
Professional Experience
K-8 ART TEACHER
St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School July 2013-June 2017
STUDENT TEACHER
Papillion La-Vista Public Schools January-May 2013
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy September-December 2012
ART VILLAGE DIRECTOR/CABIN COUNSELOR
Camp Kamaji May-August 2012
St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School July 2013-June 2017
- Developed art curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade based on the national visual arts standards to be used throughout the school year.
- Facilitated learning through the use and exploration of multiple media including technology as well as the studies of past and present artists.
- Evaluated and assessed students of all ages using multiple tools such as rubrics, tests, and performance-based assessments.
- Utilized the online art gallery “Artsonia” to showcase student artwork from all grades.
- Participated in and led committees with other teachers, including serving as the specialty unit leader, and collaborated with other art teachers in the state.
- Continually strived to improve the art program while building relationships and repertoire with the members of the St. Robert Bellarmine community as well as the students.
STUDENT TEACHER
Papillion La-Vista Public Schools January-May 2013
- Observed and evaluated students’ work in order to determine progress and make suggestions for improvement.
- Demonstrated methods and procedures to students using both technology (SMART Board, PowerPoint, blogs, interactive websites) and demonstration.
- Modified lesson plans for students with additional needs and attended students’ IEP meetings.
- Taught students to use a variety of art media including pencil, colored pencil, acrylic paint, and fabric.
- Developed and taught elementary art lessons at two schools.
- Successfully engaged students of all ages in lessons exploring new areas of art.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy September-December 2012
- Substitute taught third grade and seventh grade in Sioux City Community Schools.
- Implemented lessons planned by classroom teacher while maintaining a safe learning environment.
- Successfully implemented APL classroom management strategies including checking for understanding, wait time, on the clock, and serial positioning.
ART VILLAGE DIRECTOR/CABIN COUNSELOR
Camp Kamaji May-August 2012
- Planned multiple art projects to be offered during two four-week sessions of camp.
- Conducted inventory and ordered all supplies needed for both sessions of art classes.
- Offered multiple art classes to campers each week including painting and drawing, arts and crafts, and ceramics.
- Supervised students ages 7-15 during art classes and served as a cabin counselor for girls ages 14 and 15 during four week sessions.
Other Employment
Nanny (May-August 2015, 2016, 2017)
Counselor, Champion Sport Karate (May-August 2014)
Art Director, Camp Maha (May-August 2013)
Cashier, HyVee (January-June 2013)
Produce Employee, Quality Foods (May 2011-December 2012)
Night Monitor, Studio Arts Building (September 2011-May 2012)
Waitress/Cook, Udder Delights (March-October 2011)
Counselor, Champion Sport Karate (May-August 2014)
Art Director, Camp Maha (May-August 2013)
Cashier, HyVee (January-June 2013)
Produce Employee, Quality Foods (May 2011-December 2012)
Night Monitor, Studio Arts Building (September 2011-May 2012)
Waitress/Cook, Udder Delights (March-October 2011)
Professional Memberships
National Art Education Association (NAEA) (2009 Present)
Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) (2009-Present)
Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) (Fall 2012)
WSC Student Chapter of NAEA (2009-2012)
Nebraska Art Teachers Association (NATA) (2009-Present)
Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) (Fall 2012)
WSC Student Chapter of NAEA (2009-2012)
- Offices held: Co-President 2011-2012, Vice President 2010-2011