Meet Rebecca CookExperienced educator and instructional designer with over a decade of classroom experience. Expert in using needs analyses to identify and understand learning gaps and design and execute online content to support business goals. Proven expertise in curriculum design and creation of effective learning objectives to drive critical outcomes. Extensive experience in both in-person facilitation and building online content as well as the ability to evaluate learning objectives in a variety of learning environments. |
Professional Experience
Gretna Public Schools | Gretna, NE
Art Educator, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
08/2017 - Current
Data Axle | Remote
eLearning/Instructional Design Intern
5/2023-8/2023
St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School | Omaha, NE
Art Educator, Kindergarten through Eighth Grade
08/2013 - 05/2017
Art Educator, Kindergarten through Fifth Grade
08/2017 - Current
- Awarded 2021 Nebraska Elementary Art Educator of the Year by the Nebraska Art Teachers Association.
- Showcase creativity by designing and regularly updating educational materials for 500+ learners, incorporating diverse learning elements such as weekly activities, presentations, video-based content, and quick reference tools to drive successful learner outcomes.
- Plan and deliver an annual targeted training session to 40 peers, ensuring a conducive learning environment and assisting staff with improving and enhancing their existing skills. Topics of presentation have included topics such as positive mindset habits for educators, strategies to develop growth mindset with learners, and how to help learners regulate their emotions.
- Standardized approach to delivering feedback for over 350 students to ensure positive learning outcomes.
- Consult with the district-level art team to streamline process changes and enhance learner experience. Additionally, ensure accurate record-keeping, identify areas for improvement, and recommend enhancements to our curriculum.
- Serve on a committee that designs and implements multi-tiered levels of support for learners, including behavior interventions and individually formulated learner success plans, strengthening ability in individualizing educational materials to fit the needs of all learners.
- Adapted learning curriculum to an online and hybrid environment during the Covid-19 pandemic by creating learning activities and video tutorials for students across the district. Upon the students’ return to the classroom, swiftly adjusted learning materials to meet complex in-person health protocols.
- Navigate daily challenges including schedule changes and unexpected circumstances, showcasing critical thinking skills and ability to manage course curriculum with flexibility.
Data Axle | Remote
eLearning/Instructional Design Intern
5/2023-8/2023
- Analyzed, updated, and refined existing learning materials and online content in the learning management system, leading to a 75% decrease in instructor led training commitment, freeing up enablement managers to work individually with employees as needed.
- Led 7 meetings with 11 subject matter experts as well as 31 meetings with internal stakeholders to review and revise sales enablement instruction and feedback materials.
- Edited and developed course curriculum and eLearning experiences tailored to onboarding new hires regarding complex customer scenarios, helping 7 new hires with a 100% completion rate and a 93% average score.
- Analyzed learner progress and adapted plans to fit needs, pivoting project-based timelines and tasks as necessary.
- Navigated and worked within the organization's Enablement Platform, Mindtickle, leveraging content authoring tools, video editing, and graphic design tools to support overall training strategy.
St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic School | Omaha, NE
Art Educator, Kindergarten through Eighth Grade
08/2013 - 05/2017
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive K-8 curriculum aligned with National Visual Arts Standards, showcasing proficiency in instructional design and content development. Additionally, created a scope and sequence for all grade levels, demonstrating a keen focus on strategic planning and curriculum coherence.
- Conducted over 100 formal and informal student evaluations, emphasizing a data-driven and outcomes-focused approach to instructional improvement.
- Collaborated with key stakeholders, including a committee of five colleagues, to refine standards for formal observations conducted by administration, displaying the ability to work cross-functionally and incorporate diverse perspectives.
- Formulated recommendations on optimizing formal observation standards to enhance teaching performance, underscoring a strategic mindset and a commitment to improvement.
- Led a professional development session, instructing 30 teachers on new observation standards and translating complex information into accessible learning material.
- Mentored three new teachers, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment to aid in their professional development.
- Demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills serving as a team leader for the special area teacher’s team of five employees.
- Contributed to the strategic planning committee, utilizing data analysis to inform organizational success and shape goal-setting initiatives.
Volunteer Experience
JerseySTEM | Learning and Development Specialist | 01/2024-Present
Association for Talent Development | Nebraska Chapter | Director of Special Projects | 10/2023-Present
Association for Talent Development | Nebraska Chapter | Director of Special Projects | 10/2023-Present
Skills
Software Skills
Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Lightroom | Microsoft Suite | Zoom | Google Workspace | Spekit | Mindtickle (LMS Platform) | Salesforce | LinkedIn | Articulate 360 | Canva | Mac OS | Windows OS |
Hard Skills
Needs Analysis | ADDIE | SAM | Backward Design | Bloom’s Taxonomy | Adult Learning Theory | Agile Methodologies | Scheduling | Performance Tracking |eLearning Development | Storyboarding | Script Writing | Learning Objectives |Visual Design | Project Management | Multimedia Integration | Evaluation and Assessment | Research | Curriculum Development | Scope and Sequence | LMS Organization | Video Editing |
Soft Skills
Problem Solving | Critical Thinking | Storytelling | Creativity | Innovation | Attention to Detail | Organization | Collaboration | Public Speaking | Strategic Planning | Adaptability | Continuous Learning | Presentation Skills | Verbal and Written Communication |
Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Lightroom | Microsoft Suite | Zoom | Google Workspace | Spekit | Mindtickle (LMS Platform) | Salesforce | LinkedIn | Articulate 360 | Canva | Mac OS | Windows OS |
Hard Skills
Needs Analysis | ADDIE | SAM | Backward Design | Bloom’s Taxonomy | Adult Learning Theory | Agile Methodologies | Scheduling | Performance Tracking |eLearning Development | Storyboarding | Script Writing | Learning Objectives |Visual Design | Project Management | Multimedia Integration | Evaluation and Assessment | Research | Curriculum Development | Scope and Sequence | LMS Organization | Video Editing |
Soft Skills
Problem Solving | Critical Thinking | Storytelling | Creativity | Innovation | Attention to Detail | Organization | Collaboration | Public Speaking | Strategic Planning | Adaptability | Continuous Learning | Presentation Skills | Verbal and Written Communication |
Education
Google Project Management Career Certificate | In Progress | Expected Completion May 2024
Doane University | Omaha, NE | Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction | 08/2019
Creighton University | Omaha, NE |Master of Science in Educational Leadership | 05/2017
Wayne State College | Wayne, NE | Bachelor of Science in Education, K-12 Art | 05/2013
Doane University | Omaha, NE | Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction | 08/2019
Creighton University | Omaha, NE |Master of Science in Educational Leadership | 05/2017
Wayne State College | Wayne, NE | Bachelor of Science in Education, K-12 Art | 05/2013
Professional Association Memberships
Association for Talent Development | Nebraska Chapter | 06/2023-Present
Association for Talent Development | National | Member| 01/2024-Present
Omaha Organization Development Network | Member | 02/2024-Present
Association for Talent Development | National | Member| 01/2024-Present
Omaha Organization Development Network | Member | 02/2024-Present
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of work, I love to read, run, and spend time with family and friends.
In 2022, I read 101 books! I didn't used to prioritize reading for pleasure, so I am so excited about hitting that number. I usually gravitate towards thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat. Every once in a while, a romance or memoir makes it onto my list, too. In 2023, I slowed down a little and read 59 books. I am still reading a lot of thrillers, but have added in some books about adult learning and instructional design to learn as much as I can about the industry. What is my trick for reading so many books? Audiobooks! I love to listen to books when I am driving in the car, cooking dinner, or doing chores around the house. I am usually listening to a book and reading an ebook at the same time. Sometimes, I have a physical book in the mix too!
Although I haven't had as much time for running since my daughter was born, I do have a goal to run at least a 5K in every state. I am up to 10 so far! Although 5K's are definitely my favorite, I also run a team relay each year with my friends here in Nebraska called Market to Market. And, I've run two Ragnar races. One was a Ragnar "Sprint" in Utah that took me and five friends about 70 miles in one day. The other was a 200 mile relay in Washington that took my 11 teammates and I around 36 hours to complete.
I try to spend as much time exploring with my four-year-old daughter, husband, friends, and family as I can. I am so lucky that my husband and I have a tight-knit group of friends and family here in town with us, and we usually have no trouble finding an adventure we can all go on.
In 2022, I read 101 books! I didn't used to prioritize reading for pleasure, so I am so excited about hitting that number. I usually gravitate towards thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat. Every once in a while, a romance or memoir makes it onto my list, too. In 2023, I slowed down a little and read 59 books. I am still reading a lot of thrillers, but have added in some books about adult learning and instructional design to learn as much as I can about the industry. What is my trick for reading so many books? Audiobooks! I love to listen to books when I am driving in the car, cooking dinner, or doing chores around the house. I am usually listening to a book and reading an ebook at the same time. Sometimes, I have a physical book in the mix too!
Although I haven't had as much time for running since my daughter was born, I do have a goal to run at least a 5K in every state. I am up to 10 so far! Although 5K's are definitely my favorite, I also run a team relay each year with my friends here in Nebraska called Market to Market. And, I've run two Ragnar races. One was a Ragnar "Sprint" in Utah that took me and five friends about 70 miles in one day. The other was a 200 mile relay in Washington that took my 11 teammates and I around 36 hours to complete.
I try to spend as much time exploring with my four-year-old daughter, husband, friends, and family as I can. I am so lucky that my husband and I have a tight-knit group of friends and family here in town with us, and we usually have no trouble finding an adventure we can all go on.