Robyn Ponder
Curriculum and Special Programs Director, Monticello Community School District
Monticello, Iowa
Summary
District curriculum leadership and adoption — leads systematic curriculum review, adoption, and implementation to align instruction with Iowa Core standards and drive standards-referenced reporting and teacher professional learning. ia+1
Special programs administration — directs special programs including special education, ELL, talented & gifted, and foster care, coordinating services and supports district-wide for diverse learners. gwaea+1
Technology integration and 1:1 device management — added Technology Director responsibilities in 2023 to manage the district's 1:1 device program, AUP, Chromebook handbook, and help-desk coordination to support instruction. ia+1
Classroom and school-level experience informing leadership — has classroom and building-level experience (elementary literacy consultant, 2nd/3rd grade teacher, 6th-grade teacher, middle-school at‑risk coordinator) and communicates with the community through writing and public comment. monticelloexpress+2
Work
Education
Writing
Public comment to Iowa legislative committee (Iowa Citizen, Parent, Educator Advocating for Schools)
January 1, 2024Written public comment submitted to an Iowa legislative committee summarizing perspectives as Curriculum and Special Programs Director regarding district programs and related policy matters.
An overview of curriculum adoption within the MCSD
A Monticello Express guest article describing the district's three-year curriculum adoption process, the roles of intended/enacted/assessed/learned curriculum, and district supports for teachers and materials.
What are the educational benefits of a new elementary school?
A Monticello Express piece arguing for consolidation into a new elementary school, discussing facility-related barriers to learning, time costs of staff travel between buildings, and academic/health benefits observed after prior building improvements.