Dena M. Wagner
Omaha, Nebraska 68117
402-932-6101
ddkkwagner@cox.net
JOB OBJECTIVE
To obtain a Middle School Language Arts teaching position in which creativity, dedication, and a team attitude can be used to educate and motivate diverse students.
CAREER SUMMARY
 | Experienced professional in working with families and youth. |
| Comfortable and experienced in developing rapport and providing support to children from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. |
| Demonstrated ability to communicate with children and parents with empathy and professionalism. |
EDUCATION
College of Saint Mary, Omaha, Nebraska, 2003Fast Track to Teaching, Accelerated Teacher Certification Program
University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1995
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Graduated Magna Cum Laude; Achieved Cumulative 3.780 G.P.A; Dean’s List for six
semesters; Goodrich Scholarship Recipient.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Student Teacher -- 7th Grade Language Arts, 7th Grade
Social Studies
Norris Middle School, Omaha Public Schools
January 2003 to May 2003
| Prepared and delivered lesson plans incorporating 7th Grade Content Standards. |
| Worked as part of an interdisciplinary team in planning, problem solving, and helping students to succeed. |
| Developed and implemented a plan for managing student behavior. |
| Developed rapport with students, providing affirmation and support in learning efforts. |
| Participated in parent-teacher conferences, effectively communicating with parents. |
| Assisted in administering California Achievement Tests and Criterion Reference Testing. |
RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Family Enrichment Educator, Salvation Army
Parents And Children Together (P.A.C.T.) Program
March 2000 to January 2003
| Worked with children and families, both in individual and group settings. |
| Developed curriculum and assumed primary responsibility for the instruction of "Strengthening Families" Parenting Classes. |
| Facilitated conflict resolution and parenting classes for women incarcerated in the Douglas County Correctional Center. |
| Worked with individuals in developing goals related to parenting, healthy relationships, and basic life skills. Provided education and support in working toward identified goals. |
Family Consultant, Salvation Army
Even Start, Parents as Teachers Program
March 2002 to January 2003
| Completed Parents as Teachers educational training program in order to implement and provide services utilizing the Parents as Teachers model. |
| Enhanced the development of children through educational guidance and support to parents. |
Family Support
Specialist, Salvation Army
Family Connections Intensive Family Preservation Program
November 1995 to March 2000
| Worked as a team with a therapist in providing education, advocacy, and support to families and youth involved with Child Protective Services. |
| Provided services to individuals, families, and youth, including: role modeling, parenting education, household management, child growth and development, communication, anger management, educational support, visitation supervision, development of safety plans, and referral to community resources. |
RELATED VOLUNTEER TEACHING EXPERIENCES
Group Worker,
Social Settlement Association
January 1991 to June 1991
| Served as a role model and mentor to youth participating in an after school program, promoting a positive group atmosphere, self esteem, and social skills. |
Religious Education Instructor, Holy Ghost Church
September 1989 to May 1991
| Instructed youth in the religious education program, developing lesson plans and structuring learning activities in coordination with the Religious Education Director. |
Christian Education Teacher, St. Andrews Church
September 2002 to Present
| Co-taught 5th and 6th grade youth in the "Sunday School" program, creatively implementing learning activities from a bible-based curriculum. |
4-H Leader, "4-H Friends" Club
September 2000 to August 2001
| Responsible for motivating and inspiring youth as part of the Cooperative Extension Office 4-H program. |
OTHER RELATED TRAINING
| SEAN (Student Education Association of Nebraska), 2002-2003 |
| Leopold Education Project, March 1, 2003 |
| Heartland Conference on Families: "Adolescents & Behavior", "Talking to Teens", November 8, 2001 |
| Cultural Diversity Training, May 21, 2001 |
| "Treating the Out-of-Control Adolescent" Conference, July 10, 2000 |
| "Development of Youth and Adolescents" Professional Growth Program, September 24, 1997 |
| "Investing in Children and Families Through Partnerships" Conference, October 8-9, 1996 |
