Sheila Olson, M.Ed.

Experience

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  Fort Wayne Community Schools

  Jan 1993 - Jan 2008

  Communications Resource Teacher

  ••Analyzed K-1 student needs for education in the areas of television production and journalism; developed and implemented two hands-on student curriculums as a result.•Sought out by the administration of another school (in a district two hours away) to consult regarding curriculum development of an elementary television production program. Provided direction to their curriculum committee to design, develop, and implement an effective program.•Designed a quarterly child-produced school newspaper. Students served as editors, writers, columnists, editorialists, sports writers and cartoonists.•Recruited to serve as the primary communications specialist to oversee all aspects of the communications magnet focus for the school; designated as the “go-to” resource for teachers to provide classroom support in all subject disciplines.•Designated as the "Teacher-in-Charge," responsible for all administrative decisions during times when principal was absent from the building.•Co-developed and facilitated regional writing process and technology in-services for licensed educator professional development.•Developed and organized all promotional events to recruit new students.•Frequently represented magnet school at district-wide school board meetings; presented compelling arguments to maintain grant funding of magnet program.•Wrote for and was awarded $14,000 grant from CTPAC grant for television studio equipment.•Designed, created and implemented a summer school enrichment television production course. Show less

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  Indiana Wesleyan University

  May 2011 - Dec 2013

  • Taught multiple writing and communication courses to an average class size of fifteen adult students; courses were successful due to appropriate blending of theory with practical work-place; experienced and skilled in classroom presentation as well as video conference for e-learning. Certified to instruct: COM 110 Speech Communication, COM 115 Introduction to Human Communications, COM 211 Introduction to Mass Communication, ENG 121 English Composition II, ENG 140 Communications I, ENG 141 Communications II, MGT 205 Professional Communication, and WR1235 Creative Writing.•Evaluated student teachers in classroom setting per metrics set forth by the School of Educational Leadership. Show less •Served as liaison between the Advising Department and the School of Educational Leadership; considered highly effective in this role due to my ability to meet with department heads (doctorate-level), learn complex material, break it down and then train other advisors on applicable policy changes, state licensure changes, academic changes, etc. •Designated to serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for other advisors serving School of Educational Leadership students. •Analyzed individual student needs (for a caseload of 500+ graduate students) and designed courses of action to help each student meet degree requirements and Department of Education guidelines in a manner which maximized financial aid.•Served students effectively and efficiently due to comprehensive knowledge of the adult and graduate programs, as well as student services, academic requirements, and general higher education organization.•Developed plans for student continuing education to help the university increase retention of students.Short tenure was due to relocation from Indiana to Colorado. Show less

  • Adjunct Professor

    Sept 2007 - Dec 2013

  • Academic Advisor

    May 2011 - Oct 2011
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  Falcon School District 49

  Aug 2012 - Dec 2013

  Student Support Mentor

  • Superintends students taking online courses through Aventa Learning.• Serves as a liaison between Falcon Middle School and the iConnect Zone leadership.• Provides technological support, classroom management, and parental contact to all online students.

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  Compassion International

  Jan 2014 - now

  Advocate on behalf of 1.7 million children living in extreme poverty in 25 countries, providing them with a holistic development program through child sponsorship. Leads and supports multiple learning initiatives by conducting training needs assessments, providing instructional design expertise, applying adult learning theory, and ensuring delivery methods are appropriate for a global audience. Facilitates manager foundations and staff development courses. Advocate on behalf of 1.4 million children living in extreme poverty in 26 countries, providing them with a holistic development program through child sponsorship. Leads and supports multiple learning initiatives by conducting training needs assessments, providing instructional design expertise, applying adult learning theory, and ensuring delivery methods are appropriate for a global audience.

  • Senior Learning and Development Specialist

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Learning and Development Specialist III

    Apr 2018 - Aug 2023

  • Instructional Design Specialist II

    Feb 2015 - Apr 2018

  • Global Program Senior Learning Advisor

    Jan 2014 - Jan 2015
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  Gallup

  Jan 2018 - now

  Gallup Certified Strengths Coach