Adam Rurka
St. Albert
Summary
Dedicated enthusiast for lifelong learning committed to impactful teaching techniques, innovative leadership, tried-and-tested educational strategies, improving educational frameworks, and nurturing significant connections. Well-versed in various roles including assistant principal, school counselor, champion for inclusivity and fairness, and educator across diverse educational contexts. Honored to have contributed to St. Albert Public School Division for 17 years.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Principal
Ecole Leo Nickerson Elementary School
2020.08 - Current
- Improved teacher pedagogy through Response to Intervention.
- Facilitated assessment practice development on triangulating evidence.
- Evaluated programs to boost student achievement in English and French.
- Fostered relationships with key stakeholders and community members.
- Supported at-risk students and families comprehensively.
- Co-directed education plan development, scheduling, and more.
- Led implementation of pedagogical approaches including Mathology, Jump Math, and Lucy Calkins Units of Study.
- Spearheaded various schoolwide projects including artist-in-residence programs, literacy initiatives, and anti-racism efforts.
- Supervised and evaluated staff to meet diverse learner needs.
Assistant Principal/Counsellor
Kinosayo Elementary School
2018.01 - 2020.06
- Supported all special education affairs, including inclusion, programming, assessment, mentoring, and professional development. Liaised with various professionals/organizations and led Individualized Program Plan (IPP) development.
- Provided instructional leadership in literacy/numeracy, assessment, curriculum, mental health literacy, writing, and staff wellness.
- Co-developed school's 3-year education plan, staff schedules, revising the school's vision, and supporting/evaluating educational assistants.
- Aligned instruction with assessment data and emphasized restorative discipline.
- Served as UNESCO ASPnet coordinator, pivotal in advancing through ASPnet stages to achieve full membership, with a significant focus on diversity, equity, and human rights.
Teacher (Gr. 4 Homeroom)
Kinosayo Elementary School
2014.09 - 2018.01
- Taught all core subjects, approached instructional practices with the goal of progressive reform.
- Incorporated engaging unit plans to increase student engagement in a cross curricular manner.
- Communicated frequently with stakeholders regarding academic, behavioral, and social supports.
- Enhanced student knowledge of technology by integrating various software/hardware for research and assignments.
- Lead positions included: numeracy lead, curriculum lead, inclusive education lead, Powerschool lead, UNESCO club, ski club lead, at-risk youth club lead.
- Formal mentorship through divisions program and post-secondary institutions.
- Part-time assignment in Learning Assistance Class.
Teacher (Gr. 3-6 Opportunity)
Kinosayo Elementary School
2008.09 - 2014.06
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Created and implemented daily lessons in all core subject areas including life skills and social skills.
- Differentiated instruction for students with complex learning needs.
- Collaborated with large array of specialists to ensure rich student programming.
- Obtained certificates in Balanced Literacy, Daily 5, and Leveled Literacy Intervention.
- Roles included PD committee lead, special education lead, numeracy lead, curriculum lead, stakeholder workshop lead, and SOGI lead.
- Part-time assignment in Learning Assistance Class.
Teacher (Gr. 5-6 Behavior Improvement)
Ronald Harvey Elementary School
2007.09 - 2008.06
- Created and implemented daily lessons in all core subject areas in addition to self-regulation, mental health, social skills, and well-being.
- Utilized trauma informed practice.
- Supported students with chronic and severe behavioral/emotional disabilities through implementation of Positive Behavior Supports.
- Established safe learning environment for students to develop academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement.
Education
LQS Certification -
Alberta Teachers' Association
Edmonton, Alberta06.2019
Masters of Education - Educational Studies
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta06.2018
Bachelor of Education - Education
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta04.2007
Skills
- Cultivating connections and relationships
- Providing instructional leadership
- Inclusive education background
- Leading in dual-track school environments
- Upholding diversity, equity, and human rights
- Steering curriculum implementation
- Fostering teamwork
- Trauma-informed practice
- Supporting division-wide goals
- Dedicated to sports academy principles
Awards and Interests
- Nominated for Excellence in Teaching Award (Alberta), 2013
- Nominated for Excellence in Teaching Award (Alberta), 2010
- Member of Council for School Leadership (Alberta), 2018-Present
- Member of Council for Inclusive Education (Alberta), 2007-Present
- Guest lectures at the University of Alberta - Summer 2018, Summer 2019
References
Michael Erickson
Principal – Leo Nickerson Elementary School
(780) 459-4426 or (780) 907-9531
Helen Nowell
Principal – Joseph M. Demko School
(780) 347-0015 or (780) 245-1703
Timeline
Assistant Principal
Ecole Leo Nickerson Elementary School
2020.08 - Current
Assistant Principal/Counsellor
Kinosayo Elementary School
2018.01 - 2020.06
Teacher (Gr. 4 Homeroom)
Kinosayo Elementary School
2014.09 - 2018.01
Teacher (Gr. 3-6 Opportunity)
Kinosayo Elementary School
2008.09 - 2014.06
Teacher (Gr. 5-6 Behavior Improvement)
Ronald Harvey Elementary School
2007.09 - 2008.06
LQS Certification -
Alberta Teachers' Association
Masters of Education - Educational Studies
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Education - Education
University of Alberta
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