Jessica E. Palko
English Language Support Specialist
Denver
Summary
Highly qualified in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education with a strong background in supporting multilingual learners. Known for a collaborative, student-centered approach, effective communication, and attention to detail. Proven ability to navigate complex educational needs and support diverse school communities.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2024
2024
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
English Language Support Specialist Department Coordinator
Cherry Creek Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
- Collaborate and co-taught with classroom teachers to embed language development within grade-level content
- Assess and monitored language proficiency and academic progress of multilingual learners
- Design and supported linguistically appropriate instruction across content areas
- Advocate for multilingual learners and families to ensure access to services and resources
- Serve as a building-wide resource on best practices in English language development and instruction
- Design and lead building wide professional development
- Design, implemented, and revised school-wide systems to support the effective intake and placement of all new students, ensuring accurate language services and academic support
English Language Acquisition Coach
Aurora Public Schools
07.2014 - 08.2017
- Design and lead building wide ELA (English Language Acquisition) professional development
- Presenter at Tointon Institute for Educational Change
- Co-plan and co-teach with teachers in Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Development
- Participate in professional development focused on supporting Newcomer students by Nancy Commins P.h.D.
- Organize and administer WIDA ACCESS assessment building wide
- Attend monthly ELA Teacher Leader Meetings
- Plan and facilitate professional learning opportunities for new teachers
- Participate in weekly Community of Practice team meetings
- Design and implement innovative approaches that support and achieved district goals in Literacy, Mathematics, and Science
- Utilize technology to perform ongoing formal and informal assessments including Promethean Board, iPads, Kindles, iPods, and Google Forms
- Collaborate with team members and coaches to reflect, adapt, and plan for instruction based on student data and best instructional practices
- Actively serve on a variety of school improvement teams including: Instructional Leadership Team, School Climate and Culture Committee, School Social Committee, and RTI
Teacher
Aurora Public Schools
07.2009 - 07.2014
- Designed and lead building wide professional development
- Attended regular ELA Professional Development within the district
- Mentored two third grade teammates
- Participated in weekly Community of Practice team meetings
- Collaborate with team members and coaches to reflect, adapt, and plan for instruction based on student data and best instructional practices
- Served as a member of a K-8 Professional Learning Community
Education
Masters - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
Regis University
Denver, ColoradoBachelors of Science - Mathematics, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan 01.2004 - 01.2009
Skills
- Culturally Responsive & Inclusive Practices
- Educational Leadership
- English Language Support (ELS) Program Coordination
- Data Analysis & Strategic Decision-Making
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
- Professional Development Design & Facilitation
Certification
Colorado Teaching Certification, K-12
Professional Development
- WIDA Scaffolding Learning through Language, 03/23
- Colorado Mental Health Integrated Emergency Preparedness for the School Workforce, 08/22
- Thinking Maps Facilitator Training: Path to Proficiency for English Language Learners, 10/17
- RELAY/GSE, Data-Driven Instruction Professional Development Seminar, 03/17
- ELAchieve Two Day Symposia, 04/15
- ELAchieve Two Day Symposia, 04/17
- Ellen Levy, Language and Literacy for the Common Core State Standards, 02/14
- Mike Schmoker FOCUS: Elevating the Essential to Radically Improve Student Learning, 11/13
- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference, 04/13
- Project 3-R, Relevancy, Rigor and Relationship, Increasing Physical Activity in the Classroom, 10/12
- Grand Valley State University College of Education Focus Group, 12/09
- Fire Up! Conference, Inter-Institutional Teacher Education Council of W. Michigan, 11/09
Timeline
English Language Support Specialist Department Coordinator
Cherry Creek Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
English Language Acquisition Coach
Aurora Public Schools
07.2014 - 08.2017
Teacher
Aurora Public Schools
07.2009 - 07.2014
Bachelors of Science - Mathematics, Elementary Education
Grand Valley State University
01.2004 - 01.2009
Masters - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
Regis University
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