AMANDA BECKLER

208 Prairieview Court, Marshall, MN 56258 ajbeckler@gmail.com

(712)490-6913 Online Portfolio: abeckportfolio.weebly.com

OBJECTIVE
Experienced educator and community coordinator with over 11 years of experience in art education,
community education, community engagement, grant writing, and program development seeking to
advance my career to an administrative position to enhance community engagement and success.

EXPERIENCE
Community Education Coordinator - City of Marshall, Marshall, MN 2018 - present
As the Community Education Coordinator for the City of Marshall, I serve as the designated Community
Education Director. It is my responsibility to provide programming that meets the needs of our diverse
community. Through this role, I plan, develop, organize, coordinate, and direct the community education
department for the residents of School District #413, evaluate programs and activity areas, plan and
supervise administrative procedures, recruit, hire, train, and supervise program coordinators and seasonal
staff. I oversee and manage the Driver Education program, Bike Share program, community events, city band,
after-school enrichment program, and community education activities and class offerings as well as oversee
the City of Marshall's Adult Community Center facility and staff. I promote programs and events through
community outreach including a monthly radio spot. I prepare budget proposals and participate in the
forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies. I set fees and monitor
revenues and expenditures to ensure programs stay within budget. I collect data, prepare and submit
annually the Minnesota Department of Education Annual Community Education Report and Driver Education
annual report. I have experience in grant writing for the City on a wide range of projects including a
community art piece resulting in a large scale mosaic "M" in which I was the visionary and project lead who
worked closely with the artist and participating community members. This piece is now an iconic art piece
in Marshall and is used in promotional and communication material across the city. I also serve as the
facilitator for the City of Marshall to the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program which is based on 29 best
practices that are focused on cost savings and energy use reduction. Through my role in this program, I have
secured a Step 4 and Step 5 recognition level which is the highest level possible and have developed a
resolution and amended ordinances allowing for the development of pollinator habitat within city limits. In
addition, I serve as the city liaison for the City of Marshall's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission
and played a key role in the development of the DEI Commission including it's bylaws, guiding principles,
mission and vision.

Cultures on the Prairie: Co-Founder and Organizer - Marshall, MN 2018 - present

I am the co-founder and co-creator for the multi-day Cultures on the Prairie event in Marshall, MN. This
event has been developed as an educational opportunity where people can come together and participate
in meaningful conversations centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. I work with multiple community
partners including community members, and local organizations such as Southwest Adult Basic Education
and Southwest Minnesota State University to deliver a high-quality experience as a way to create a more
welcoming and inclusive community. In 2021, this event was awarded the President's Community Partner
Award. I have secured funding through various grant opportunities including Southwest Initiative Foundation
(SWIF) and Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) to enhance this event each year and have
pushed this event out on a statewide level through Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and
Standards Board (PELSB) to help educators meet their teacher re-licensure needs.
Art Teacher - Renville County West, Renville, MN Fall 2011 - 2018
My teaching has encompassed various avenues. I taught art for seven years at Renville County West. I have
taught art to a variety of grade levels ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Along with my daily teaching
responsibilities, I assisted with prom advisory duties, pursued and drafted grants for the school, directed
school plays, and created set designs. I was instrumental in assisting with the development of an elementary
art program for the school district and provided the creation and production of mural projects for the
Renville school. I also started an online photography course, Graphic Arts course, and served as the
Yearbook advisor.

PAINT Leader for Renville County West - Perpich Center Spring 2016 - 2018
I served as the arts integration leader for Renville County West. It was my responsibility to lead a small group
of teachers to create lessons that incorporated collaborative teaching. I helped to build curriculum that was
centered around ELA, Science, and Art to enhance students' academic success.

DELT - Renville County West, Renville, MN Spring 2017 - 2018

I served on the Digital Educational Leadership Team at Renville County West. One of the main functions of
DELT was to explore technological procedures for the school district, assist all staff members, and be well-
informed of innovative and resourceful technology.

Site Coordinator - PACT for Families Collaborative Spring 2012 - Summer 2017
I served as the Site Coordinator at Renville County West for five years. As Site Coordinator, it was my
responsibility to follow all grant procedures which included enrolling students that were struggling
academically, socially, or both. I was involved in the hiring process of staff and was responsible for
supervising program teaching and support staff. I organized advisory meetings, planned field trips and
activities that encompassed 21st Century skills. It was my duty to complete all required MDE reports and
follow budget guidelines.

Student Teaching - Renville County West, Renville, MN Spring 2011

As a student teacher at Renville County West, I took over lessons for grades 7-12. I also assisted in the
development of an elementary art program. I established and introduced a photography course for high
school students. I helped create a community art gallery which was welcomed by the community. I assisted
in searching and pursuing grants which enriched our educational endeavors and the advancement of our
students. While student teaching, I also took over the after school art program which was extremely
rewarding to observe the growth and excitement of the participants.

EDUCATION

Minnesota State University Moorhead, Moorhead, MN - 2021 Attended 2020 - 2021

M.S., Educational Leadership: Emphasis: K-12 Administration
Community Education Director Licensure
I now serve on the Educational Leadership Advisory Council for Minnesota State University Moorhead

Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall, MN - May 2011 Attended Fall 2009 - May 2011
B.S., K-12 Art Education: Emphasis: Ceramics and Photography
B.A., Studio Art

Wayne State College, Wayne, NE 2006 - 2009

Art Education and Education coursework
REFERENCES

See Moua-Leske
Program Manager for Southwest Adult Basic Education
(507)476-3953 | see.moua-leske@marshall.k12.mn.us | Marshall, MN
See is the co-founder for Cultures on the Prairie and we have worked together from 2018 - present.

Tamara Isfeld
Local Artist and Art Educator
(320)894-0813 | tisfeld@isd2190.org
Tamara and I taught together at Renville County West from 2011 - 2016. Tamara has also been a seasonal
Community Education Instructor for me from 2018 - present.

Karla Drown
Finance Director for the City of Marshall
(507)537-6764 | karla.drown@ci.marshall.mn.us
Karla is the Finance Director for the City of Marshall and we have worked together from 2018 - present.

Ann Orren
Community Public Health Supervisor
(507)829-2241 | ann.orren@swmhhs.com
Ann Orren and I have worked together on several grant writing projects and community workgroups from
2018 - present.

Sheila Dubs
Human Resource Manager for the City of Marshall
(507)537-6790 | sheila.dubs@ci.marshall.mn.us
Sheila is the HR Manager for the City of Marshall and we have worked together from 2018 - present.