Robert Plonka

K-8 Reading Teacher\ K-2 Tier II Interventionist Literacy Coach and English Teacher

I use student interest, inquiry-based curriculum, high interest materials, explicit reading strategies with a variety of texts, with social justice emphasis. I use essential questions, motivation, personally and culturally relevant materials, appropriately-selected texts, and active engagement to create a culture of respect and promote engagement.

Saint Xavier University Master's degree, Reading Teacher Education 2009 – 2011 DePaul University Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Secondary Education and Teaching

I am a Reading Specialist, English teacher, Reading teacher, and Literacy Coach. My experience is grounded with older at-risk adolescent African American students in the urban setting. I develop literacy skills through engaging students in a personally and culturally relevant curriculum with appropriately selected texts to encourage motivation and growth. Through consistent progress monitoring and differentiation, I use intense interventions to promote skill acquisition. I am currently teaching K-8 reading in Chicago Public Schools, focusing on primary level intervention groups and co-teaching.