Dear Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District Leaders, Educators, and Staff,
I am honored and excited to introduce myself as your new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. As I step into this role, I look forward to building upon the excellent work already happening throughout MCPASD and partnering with you to create exceptional learning experiences for all students.
My journey in education spans 27 years, with diverse leadership experiences at all levels of school that have shaped my approach to teaching and learning. I began my career working with our youngest students, as an early childhood and elementary Speech/Language Pathologist, which gave me a deep understanding of diverse learning needs, co-teaching opportunities, and the importance of targeted interventions. This foundation led me to roles as a Special Education Coordinator and Associate Elementary Principal, where I gained valuable experience in supporting students, educators, and creating strong relationships with families.
Most recently, I've served as the Director of Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, where I've led several key initiatives including:
Implementing our new Savvas English Language Arts curriculum for grades 5-8
Overseeing curriculum renewal in Career-Technical Education, Performing Arts, and 9-12 English Language Arts
Collaborating to review our K-12 reading intervention programs
Visiting over 90 classrooms K-12 this year
Participating in forward-thinking committees including the Artificial Intelligence and Portrait of a Graduate Work Group
Prior to that, I had the privilege of working with Madison Metropolitan School District in multiple capacities. As an Assistant Student Services Director, I oversaw special education services for 12 middle schools and led professional learning and interventions across the Student Services department. I also served as a School Improvement Partner with MMSD's four comprehensive high schools and two innovative high schools, focusing on school wide continuous improvement strategies and reimagining high schools for increased student success.
I believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices to transform educational outcomes. My commitment is to support educators, engage with families, and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
As I transition into this new role, I am eager to meet with staff, students, families, and community members to listen and learn about your experiences, hopes, and ideas for our district. Together, I am confident we can build upon our strengths and address challenges to create an educational environment where all students can succeed.
I look forward to our continued work and all we will accomplish together!
Warmly,
Dr. Jan G. Chynoweth
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning