Kaara Kallen
Editorial expert with an eye for both the big picture and the details; experienced developer of informative, instructional, and creative content; skilled contributor of written collaborations; committed student of paradigm shifts for a sustainable and just future
Independent consulting—content
Nov 2012–present
Provide editorial services for clients in creative, nonprofit, and for-purpose fields. A sampling:
Maya Smart, independent author: Serve as a parent-consultant for early literacy advocate and author of Reading for Our Lives (Avery, 2022); write book’s discussion guide
Independent author: Line edit book about fundraising for community centered asset-based work for library, archive, and museum professionals (Routledge, 2022)
Sunbird Books, Chicago, IL: Author nonfiction graphic novel recounting the life of Marie Curie for It’s Her Story series for ages 7–11; develop educator/parent guides for all books in the series
Phoenix International Publications, Chicago, IL: Author and edit various fiction and nonfiction works and accompanying educator/parent components for children 0–11
AnteUp!, Oakland, CA: Consult on educational frameworks and edit for content and clarity for organization focusing on justice-focused professional development and curriculum
o UIC Latino Cultural Center, Chicago, IL: Develop dialogue facilitation guide based on department's internal guide and institutional knowledge with the goal of dissemination to external organizations and universities
Independent consulting—coordination
Jun 2012–Jun 2017
Provide project-based program coordination and outreach. A sampling:
Reach Out and Read Illinois, Chicago, IL: Coordinate new high school initiative for local chapter of nationwide nonprofit; develop outreach and instructional materials
Scenarios USA, Chicago, IL: Conduct multi-tiered outreach for arts integrated social-emotional learning program and consult on development of inquiry-based curriculum; as part-time staff in a role of a few months’ duration, almost doubled school registration
Hear Chicago Talk, Chicago, IL: Create, produce, and lead quarterly idea exchange about teaching and learning using a question-based topic exploration format
University Instruction
Mar 2017–present
Teach in classroom setting
Design Thinking and Communication I and II (Cook Family Writing Program): Guide first–year engineering students in project–based course on the principles and practices of design thinking (co–taught with McCormick School of Engineering faculty)
Sustainability Focused Design Thinking and Communication II (Cook Family Writing Program): Challenge first–year engineering students to consider the opportunities and limitations of design thinking from within a sustainability framework (co-taught with McCormick School of Engineering faculty)
Mentor master’s degree students
Master of Project Management program (McCormick School of Engineering): Provide editorial guidance to students on organization, documentation, content, and formatting for completion of their capstone report, required for graduation
Editorial leadership
Oct 2002–Oct 2012
The Great Books Foundation Chicago, IL Dec 2004–Oct 2012
K–12 Editorial Director (2009–2012); K–12 Managing Editor (2004–2009)
Directed editorial development of K–12 print and online materials, including concept development, research, writing, editing, and layout and design
Developed project plans for multiple long-term projects; anticipated how changes in one project might affect another; built in flexibility to allow for new developments
Contributed to development and execution of vision and strategy for K–12 program in collaboration with marketing, training, new media, and executive staff
Developed and applied deep knowledge of instruction and assessment related to critical thinking, discussion formats, English language arts, and fiction and nonfiction literature
Led in-house writing and editorial team and freelancers: hired, managed, and coached staff
Examined developments in pedagogy, technology, and education policy and led team in related changes to produÂÂÂct strategy and workflow
Contributed to developing and conducting surveys, focus groups, and pilots
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Edusoft San Francisco, CA Apr 2003–Nov 2004
ELA content manager
Oversaw development of English language arts content for grades 2–12 in dynamic startup environment
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Project Achieve Rock Island, IL Oct 2002–Apr 2003
Program implementation leader
Introduced and supported online instructional management tools in nine Illinois schools
Classroom teaching
1999–2002
Wallenberg High School San Francisco, CA Aug 2000–Jun 2002
English Literature 9, 10, 10H; Spanish 9
South San Francisco High School South San Francisco, CA Aug 1999–Jun 2000
English Literature 9, 10