Meet the Teacher: Patty Kroulik

Patty Kroulik recently moved to Minnesota from Seattle to work as a transition teacher at Orono High School. She has more than a decade of experience working with the developmentally disabled.

Kroulik says she helps her students identify what they see themselves doing in the future and aids them in determining what they need to do to reach their goal.

“We do some academics, but we are focused more on making connections with the resources and providing whatever support or skills needed for them to be successful in that area,” said Kroulik.

Kroulik received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2005. She received a Masters of education/special education degree in June 2011 from the University of Washington-Seattle.

Kroulik has worked in a variety of settings, including residential, post-high school vocational training and public schools. She said her Masters program was practicum heavy and allowed her to work in elementary school, middle school and high school classrooms.

She also worked as a transition teacher and initiated the connection between the workforce and her students.

“It’s a way to make the transition into adulthood from this highly structured school setting,” said Kroulik.

Kroulik’s previous experiences include working as a job coach, direct support specialist and paraprofessional educator.

She enjoys music, reading and outdoor activities. A native of Kasson, MN, Kroulik said she’s looking forward to winter.

“I’ve missed the snow,” she said.