Kathy Maldonado
Fusing the Arts and Innovation to Achieve Artistic and Academic Excellence in the Plainfield Public Schools
#1 Passion for the Arts and Arts Education
I have a firm knowledge that the Arts:
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Stimulates the development of neuropathways in the brain that enhances the higher-order thinking processes of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation from Bloom's Taxonomy. Quite literally, the brains of students who participate in the Arts function at a higher level than students who do not have access to the Arts.
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Promotes character development in key areas such as responsibility, perseverance, ambition, dedication, patience, and confidence.
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Provides an outlet for developing talents and skills, encouraging self-expression, and supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students.
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Are embedded into every aspect of our lives and contributed over 876 billion dollars to the United States economy in 2020, which makes the Arts a viable career path for our students.
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The Arts are more than just learning to draw or play an instrument. Our students will grow up utilizing their artistic skills to become web designers, animators, dancers, actors, business and social media marketers, composers, musicians, photographers, graphic artists, sculptors, and so much more. The benefits of a robust, vibrant Arts program are unquantifiable, and every child in the world deserves access to a high-quality Arts program.
#2 Advocate for Equity of Opportunity
All students deserve equity of opportunity.
The Arts in Plainfield need a strong advocate to ensure that all students have access to the Arts by:
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Hiring highly-qualified Arts educators.
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Designing a cohesive curriculum that enables horizontal and vertical articulation throughout the district.
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Allowing student choice for electives beginning in 6th grade.
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Empower students to obtain mastery of their chosen art form by providing a consistent enrollment schedule from 6th through12th grade.
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Fully implementing the STEAM initiative throughout the district.
#3 Master Builder
I have high standards of excellence, and I do not settle for anything less. Plain and simple. If a program does not exist or align with my standards of what students deserve, I build it.
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At Barlow School, there is a display case filled with trophies from Band, Chorus, Orchestra, and Drumline programs that I built from the ground up. Each trophy not only represents my diligence in maintaining a high-quality music program for over a decade but more importantly, they are tangible evidence that I know how to motivate and inspire others to work towards achieving goals through a collaborative process.
My entire career has been centered around me doing whatever it takes for my students to have outstanding musical experiences.
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As the Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts in Plainfield, I will do whatever it takes to raise the current program to a new level of excellence. I am a master builder. I am relentless in my pursuit of educational excellence for the students of Plainfield.
#4 Homegrown Leadership
Gratefully, Plainfield Public Schools has provided me with 17 years of leadership experience that has prepared me to take on the roles and responsibilities of being the Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. ​​​All of these experiences have helped make me the person I am today. That being said, I have a lot more to offer the Plainfield Public School system.
My additional qualifications include:
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Modeling the way for others with integrity
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Inspiring a shared vision and working collaboratively to achieve that vision
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Motivating others to make and accomplish goals
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Results-oriented
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Highly organized and detailed
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High standards of excellence
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A firm, fair, and decisive decision-maker
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Versatile
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Most importantly, I love the students and staff of Plainfield.
Utilizing the educational leadership knowledge and experience I have gained in Plainfield for the last 17 years in combination with my personal qualifications, I know that I am the best choice for the Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts position.
#5 Positive Momentum
I have a distinct advantage over the other candidates for the Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts position here in Plainfield----I have positive momentum.
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I have firmly established professional relationships with district administrators and the Visual and Performing Arts staff.
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The Arts educators currently see me as a leader, resource, and advocate.
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I know the strengths and weaknesses of the district and the Visual and Performing Arts program and have a solid plan for elevating the Arts and academic achievement starting on Day 1.
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I created a list of 20 Professional Development opportunities designed specifically for the Arts educators of Plainfield and can begin organizing the 2022-2023 seminars and presenters on Day 1.
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I am experienced in curricular design and will work diligently to ensure that the Visual and Performing Arts curriculum is constructed utilizing the new VPA standards, receives Board approval, and is immediately implemented throughout the district.
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This positive momentum enables me to make a natural, seamless transition to the position of Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts. I am highly qualified for the job. I possess and utilize the character traits that define a strong transformational leader and I am ready to devote 100% of my time, energy, talents, and skills to elevating both the Arts and academic achievement here in the Plainfield Public Schools.
K-5
General Music Curriculum
Visual and Performing Arts Professional Development 2022-2023
Professional References
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Janet Grooms, Principal of Clinton Elementary School
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Jean Gordon, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
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Yvonne Breauxsaus, Director of Research, Planning, and Evaluation/Testing
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Caryn D. Cooper, Principal of Cook Elementary School
Testimonials
Kathy is a creative and innovative music teacher who is passionate about her craft, her students, and fellow staff. I've seen her coordinate everything from small classroom projects to complete musicals, to full multi-school concert events...and all with the utmost care, professionalism, and leadership.
~Eric Schnitzer, Music Educator, Washingon School
Through hard work, dedication, and thoughtfulness, Kathy elevates others around her to be the best version of themselves. She is a model, not just for other music educators, but for educators in all areas and specialties.
~Daniel Mango, Music Educator
Kathy Maldonado is well-organized, dedicated, and passionate about music! After working with her for almost 17 years, I have seen how she's taken on leadership roles in our department, including our Plainfield Music and Arts Festival and curriculum design while advocating for the needs of our Arts staff and most importantly, our students. She exhibits the skills and abilities to be a successful Arts Supervisor.
~Jessica La Pine, Music Educator, Hubbard Middle School
Since my childhood, I loved participating in drama and music. Thank you for this! I love you so much! Kathy Maldonado my inspiration.
~Idalma Menjivar, Former Student
As the director of the Vocal Music Studio at the Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Mrs. Maldonado during several music performances, curriculum development meetings, and in establishing the overall vision for the music program for the Plainfield School District. I have also observed her demonstrate excellent leadership qualities while working in the Plainfield Public Schools. For several years, Mrs. Maldonado has voluntarily taken on a position of leadership, in managing, planning, and overseeing our annual Plainfield Music Festival, involving hundreds of students in K-12 within the district. She has been a helpful music teacher to me and many other colleagues. We have discussed the needs of our students and how we can improve upon our current situation many times. With her years of experience and willingness to lead others, I think she would be a great Supervisor for the Visual and Performing Arts.
~Leah Getz, Music Educator, PAAAS
Kathy Maldonado is an exceptional educator who shaped my love for the arts and music during my childhood. While teaching me how to dance, act, and play various instruments, she enabled my creativity and talent to blossom and grow throughout my life.
~Tammia Rosero, Former Student
Having Mrs. Maldonado as a music instructor was one of the best times of my life. She is the embodiment of knowledge, passion, and dedication. Mrs. Maldonado taught me to play my trombone with pride and how important my role was to the band, as she did with each student. She gives her all to her students constantly and is such a beautiful and kind human being. I truly enjoyed my experience with her and am happy to see her pursue and reach new heights in her career and life.
~Annette Fornah, Former Student
I have known Mrs. Maldonado for 17 years and have had the pleasure of working with her on several district projects. She has displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition. Her leadership skills are exemplary and were proven in the organizing of Plainfield's All-City Musc and Arts Festival, curriculum development, as well as monthly music PLC meetings. Her passion for the Arts has brought new and innovative ideas for instruction to students and staff. She goes above and beyond the scope of her position. Mrs. Maldonado is dependable and reliable and her mature outlook will ensure a logical and practical approach to her endeavors. She would be an asset to any administrative position.
~Nancy Vahalla, Music Educator, Evergreen School
Mrs. Maldonado encouraged me to express myself through acting and music which helped me to develop an appreciation for the Arts lasting until this day. I remember a compassionate teacher who motivated students to do their best and to take pride in their work.
~Augustina Lopez, Former Student
Mrs. Maldonado is a dedicated and valued member of our school community. She leads by example through her communication style, attention to detail, and collaboration with colleagues.
~Sevcan Abedin, K/1 Special Education Teacher
I cannot express enough what a pleasure and wonderful experience I have had working alongside Mrs. Kathy Maldonado on the PBSIS team as well as her time as an administrator for the Summer Learning Academy at Clinton School. Mrs. Maldonado's ongoing teamwork and mindfulness as a music educator have enriched our champions as performers both on stage and in the classroom.
~Ana Sowden, Principal Secretary
I have worked with Kathy Maldonado for 3 years at Clinton Elementary School and participated with her in school activities that have been very successful under her leadership. It has been a positive learning experience to work with her on our school's PBSIS committee. She delegates and shares tasks with the staff and students in a timely and caring manner, which is so important for the success of our school community.
~Susana Roman, World Language Teacher
Kathy Maldonado has been a great asset to the Music department in Plainfield. She has been an important part of providing professional development and was the leading force in bringing back our All-City Music and Arts Festival concerts. She is an awesome candidate for the position of Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts.
~Chris Dalton, Music Educator, Hubbard Middle School
Mrs. Maldonado is an incredible educator, leader, and all-around great influence. I met her in 2nd grade and she helped shape my musical mind. I began playing the violin and from there it helped develop a discipline in me that I can learn to do anything and although it may begin difficult, if I stuck with it--it would be well in the end. She has always been there and is one of my most fond memories of elementary school. From then until now (I'm 31), she still encourages me and cheers me on in my professional music career. People like her are UNFORGETTABLE and NECESSARY.
~Courtney Daniels, Former Student