KATY STEKLAC

2167 Glencoe Hills Drive, Apt. 1B, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 kgsteklac@gmail.com (734) 255-9653

EDUCATION:
Chelsea High School Chelsea, MI
High School Diploma June 2009
GPA: 3.78/4.0, Magna Cum Laude

Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI

Bachelor of Music Education, December 2013
Major: Instrumental Music Education
GPA: 3.86/4.0, Magna Cum Laude

EXPERIENCE WITH K-12 YOUTH:

South Canton Scholars Charter Academy Canton, MI
Director of Bands/K-4 General Music Teacher August 2014-present
Utilized Google Classroom to provide differentiated feedback to students on video playing tests,
facilitate discussions about current concert music and to provide avenues for students to listen to
professional artists
Co-chaired regional Solo and Ensemble Festivals in 2016 and 2017 in which over 200 students from 12
different schools performed solos and small ensembles for adjudicators who provided actionable
feedback
Organized multiple field trips which included performances to the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and
University of Michigan School of Music for enhanced learning opportunities
Led and organized a spring break education trip of middle school students to Costa Rica to develop
their global perspectives
Collaborated with parents during elementary music informances to give them more strategies to
improve their students musical experience at home
Conducted and prepared three elementary and middle school bands for multiple high-level
performances throughout the year, including winter/spring concerts, holiday caroling, 8th grade
graduation, pep rallies, performances at Michigan Music Education Association Band Clinics, National
Heritage Academies Principals Meeting, and at the Michigan State Capitol building
Designed curriculum maps for band and elementary music classes using multiple sources, including the
Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance model, to encourage deeper understanding of
musical works

Grosse Pointe Public School System Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Interim Director of Bands, South High School/Pierce Middle School February 2014-June 2014
Prepared three middle school and high school ensembles for Michigan School Band and Orchestra
Association District Band Festival ("Superior" and "Excellent" ratings earned) and the Chicago Festivals of
Music (Excellent and 1st place distinction earned)
Collaborated with 3 select high school seniors to perform solos with band accompaniment at the Spring
Concert
Coordinated logistics for 6 concerts, middle school band performance trip to Chicago, State Solo and
Ensemble, and Honors Band performances
Coached high school clarinet and brass choirs in preparation for State Solo and Ensemble at which they
earned Excellent ratings
Rehearsed middle school jazz band and encouraged improvisation development in individual students
Corresponded with parents and students through conferencing, weekly email updates, and Remind101
to keep communication avenues open

Chelsea School District Chelsea, MI

Music Coach August 2012- present
Instructed flute section during 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 marching band camps in areas of marching
fundamentals and musical concepts to facilitate a strong beginning for the season
Advised small ensembles in preparation for District Solo and Ensemble to the highest musical standard

Milan Area Schools Milan, MI

Student Teacher, 6th - 12th grade band August 2013- December 2013
Designed lessons using national music education standards and Blooms taxonomy to support
 preparation for winter concert
Collaborated with student leaders to lead marching techniques and design
Communicated with individual parents via email to provide customized feedback about beginning
band students
Facilitated and implemented curriculum for an independent study music theory student to prepare him
for introductory college music theory courses
Coached twelve 6th grade beginning band students after school to help reinforce essential musical
fundamentals
Evaluated middle school students using standards based grading and provided individualized
feedback during periodic playing tests

Grosse Pointe Public School System Grosse Pointe, MI

Instrumental Music Teacher, Summer Learning Program July 2014
Created and designed beginning wind, strings, and percussion curriculum for 4th-6th grade students.
Demonstrated beginning string techniques using the Suzuki approach to develop listening skills and
proper fundamentals
Modeled beginning wind instrument techniques through demonstration and technology

Beaverton Rural Schools Beaverton, MI

Pre-student Teacher, Middle School Band/Choir January 2013-May 2013
Organized visit from bassoon quartet from local university to increase depth of musical knowledge
Designed and implemented age appropriate lesson plans, including a breathing demonstration, to
develop better musical tone

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Central Michigan University Honors Program Mount Pleasant, MI
The Transformative Teachers Project, Researcher May 2011- January 2014
Interviewed 19 high school teachers about their motivations, practices and beliefs as well their teacher
training program experiences in order to learn more about the nature of transformative educators
Analyzed data using a constant comparative method to draw conclusions and implications for teacher
education programs
Presented findings at the Hawaii International Conference on Education in January 2014 to teacher
education administrators

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE:
Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School Cape Coast, Ghana
Teaching Intern, 1st Grade June 2013-July 2013
Taught English, math, and music lessons to students in order to provide them with a holistic education
Presented a workshop on classroom management techniques to teaching staff to develop better lesson
delivery
Collaborated with teaching staff to coordinate end-of-year academic awards banquet for students

Central Michigan University Honors Program Mount Pleasant, MI

Global Citizenship Course in Beijing, China July 2012
Experienced Chinese culture through task-based learning in order to develop a global perspective
Worked with English language partners from Chinese university in order to develop global language skills

Central Michigan University Honors Program Mount Pleasant, MI

International Peer Partners, Founder/Coordinator August 2012- May 2013
Created the program as a way of fostering mutual understanding between CMU Honors Program
students and international students
Organized bimonthly group activities such as a trip to an alpaca farm, pumpkin carving and a fondue
party to learn about American culture and develop new friendships
Advocated for international students to improve their higher education experience

CERTIFICATIONS/ PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

Michigan K-12 Provisional Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Music (JQ)
National Association for Music Education, Member
Organization of American Kodaly Educators, Member