Jennifer L.

Riha
4688 Brookmeadow Dr SE, Kentwood, MI 49512 (616)550-9050 jenriha@hotmail.com

Objective
Mrs. Riha has amazing teaching abilities. She knew how to make every individual student focus in her class, and truly got to know each of us on a personal level and was interested in each of us as individuals. With that, her class was always fun to attend and I looked forward to learning new things in her room every day.
Tina Preniqi Class of 2014

To obtain the position of Dean of Academic Affairs at Valleywood Middle School

Education, Honors, and Certifications

Certification State of MI Professional Certificate 6 12 English (BA), Guidance and Counseling (NT), and Psychology (CE) Masters of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction Western Michigan University, currently pursuing Masters of Arts Degree in Counselor Education: School Counseling Western Michigan University, 2012 Recipient: Arthur and Margaret Manske Outstanding Masters Student in School Counseling Award Bachelor of Arts Grand Valley State University, 2004 Major: English Language and Literature Minor: Psychology Emphasis: Secondary Education

Professional Experience
Employment Language Arts Teacher, Crestwood Middle School, August 2007 to present Kentwood, MI Teach Language Arts to a culturally and economically diverse student population o Analyze assessment data from multiple sources to drive instruction o Differentiate instruction and assessments Actively collaborate with other content-area teachers to implement lessons via integrated curricula Serve on School Leadership Team o Prepare ELA portion of School Improvement Plan and SPR40 o Lead staff members in data and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Facilitate Capturing Kids Hearts student-staff relationship program as a Process Champion liaison for staff members Participate in peer coaching to better improve instruction and classroom management Utilize project based learning techniques to make content applicable to real-world situations Educate staff in guided reading and writing practices for classroom use Actively pursue and receive outside grant and donation opportunities to increase technology and literacy opportunities for students Created staff peer-encouragement programs to improve morale and build relationships Created School Scrabble Club to improve students spelling and math skills.

Jenny Riha is exceptional at building positive relationships with staff, students, and the community. Relationships are the foundation of her classroom and as a result she quickly captures the hearts and minds of her students. She is the absolute best teacher I have ever worked with.
Joe Roper Teaching partner

Jenny helped our GT students by challenging and motivating them while she designed many projectbased lessons; engaging the students in the highest level of learning. Jenny is a terrifically motivated person. Her enthusiastic personality and high intellect exudes a superior role model for all of us in education. Jenny works diligently to succeed until her goals are brought to fruition.
Mary Molyneux Gifted Education Director

English Teacher, George N. Smith Junior High, August 2004 May 2007 Mesa, AZ th th Taught 7 and 8 grade English at an academically excelling Title I school Engaged diverse student population through instruction that encouraged multiple intelligences Coached 7th, 8th, and 9th grade girls basketball and 8th grade boys basketball Actively participated in school growth through membership on student recognition, staff social, and school webpage committees Student Teacher, January to May 2004 Lowell Middle School, Lowell, MI Teacher Assistant, September to December 2003 Wyoming Park High School, Wyoming, MI

Professional Development and Grants

Received grant to attend MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) conference, 2012 Received Kentwood Educational Foundation grant for classroom iPads for interactive book projects, 2012 Received Kent ISD grant for project-based learning, 2011 Facilitated multi-district in-service about cultural competency and diversity initiatives, 2010 Certified as a Process Champion for Capturing Kids Hearts, 2008 Completed Capturing Kids Hearts Training, 2007 Google for the Classroom, 2005
Mr. John Keenoy Principal (formerly at Crestwood) East Kentwood High School 6230 Kalamazoo Avenue SE Kentwood, MI 49508 (616)698-6700 john.keenoy@kentwoodps.org Mrs. Brooke Storms Educational Technologist Kentwood Public Schools 5820 Eastern Avenue Kentwood, MI 49512 (616)516-6102 brooke.storms@kentwoodps.org Mr. Omar Bakri Principal Crestwood Middle School 3674 44th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616)350-2971 omar.bakri@kentwoodps.org

References
Mr. Joe Roper Social Studies Teacher/Teaching Partner Crestwood Middle School 2674 44th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616)481-7517 roperjr@gmail.com Ms. Stephanie Folkringa Special Education Teacher Crestwood Middle School 2674 44th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616)893-7896 stephanie.folkringa@kentwoodps.org Mrs. Mary Molyneux KPS Gifted and Talented Program Director Crestwood Middle School 3674 44th Street SE Kentwood, MI 49512 (616)450-8885 mrspeaks@aol.com