James Tieken

Elementary Educator & Middle High School Social Science Teacher @Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL, US

Designed and implemented differentiated instruction for both small-group and whole-class settings, ensuring engagement and accessibility for diverse learners.Developed and led standards-based assessments with detailed rubrics to measure student progress and provide actionable feedback.Integrated AI and EdTech tools (Otus, TinkerCAD, AI-powered assessments) to enhance student learning and streamline instructional delivery.Incorporated STEAM principles within Project-Based Learning (PBL) by using digital tools, prototyping, and hands-on problem-solving to deepen student engagement.Developed and directed student-led theater productions for 7th and 8th grade, integrating scriptwriting, stage design, set construction, and storytelling into an interdisciplinary STEAM learning experience.Collaborated with RTI teams to create and implement behavior and academic intervention plans, tracking student growth through data analysis.Led curriculum development initiatives, working with grade-level teams to design standards-aligned curriculum maps that prioritize inquiry-based and project-based learning (PBL).Analyzed MAP/ANET and STAR360 data to drive individualized instruction, helping students improve performance through targeted interventions.Authored curriculum materials for Thinking Core LLC, contributing to high-quality, research-backed educational content for broader instructional use.Founded and led an Investment Club for middle and high school students, teaching financial literacy, investment strategies, and real-time stock market simulations to promote economic education.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Bachelor of Education (BEd), Generalist