Champlin Park High School International Baccalaureate Programme

Welcome! My name is Jamie Weisz and I am excited to start my TWENTY-FIRST year as a special education teacher.  I am originally from Bismarck, North Dakota and I am a graduate of Mandan High School. I attended the University of North Dakota from 1997 to 2003 earning my B.S. in Elementary Education and M.Ed. in Special Education. In the summer of 2001, I furthered my educational and leadership skills by working at the United States Space & Rocket Center (NASA Affiliate) in Huntsville, Alabama.  As a Space Camp Counselor, I had the privilege of instructing children of all ages, even adults, about the history of space exploration through lectures, hands-on activities, and space shuttle simulations. It was the best summer job, ever! 

I spent my first seven years of teaching in Cadillac, Michigan (near Traverse City, MI) then moved to Minneapolis to get closer to family and friends. This is my eleventh year in the Anoka Hennepin School District; serving as a special education teacher here at Champlin Park High School teaching small group math and co-taught Algebra II. Outside of school, I like to swim, bike, camp, fish, and travel. 

In October 2020,  I sat down with Dave Schwartz from NBC affiliate KARE 11 to have a conversation about ways in which I have motivated and connected with students outside the boundaries of teaching and classroom instruction during these unprecedented times in education.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MV6llKRwqo

During the 2017-2018 school year, I was asked by our administrative team at Coon Rapids High School to serve as the "Kindness Coordinator" to promote a culture of kindness in our building by implementing and overseeing student led kindness activities.  My kindness efforts were featured in the May 2018 issue of Reader's Digest in addition to being recognized with awards at the local and national level. Throughout the year I also coordinated various celebrity messages for students to watch on our daily announcements.  Here is a video with introductions of all the individuals followed by their kindness message:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeHCUFZXyBM&feature=youtu.be

In February 2021, Minnesota Educator magazine did a feature story about my creative approach to motivating students during distance and hybrid learning.

https://www.educationminnesota.org/news/minnesota-educator/2020-21/01-21/Special-ed-teacher-motivates-students-with-special

VIDEOS I HAVE COORDINATED FOR MY STUDENTS 

MUSIC

My friend Eric Carpenter was one of the original members of No Doubt before leaving the band to pursue a career in journalism. He has shared many great stories about his No Doubt musical journey which started when he and his high school band friends decided to start a musical group, record an album and tour the U.S. in rented vans (barely making enough money to cover gas expenses).  My friendship with Eric has resulted in continued support of my special needs program from Gwen Stefani’s management team as well as “The Voice” publicity team.  Below is a video message sent to me from Gwen Stefani.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61jDtTO5xRU

See the below video message from the best-selling solo artist in the history of country music.  Some of my students love country music so I am always trying to find ways to connect with them aside from our in-class conversations and REBELS program.  Here is Garth Brooks. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jhQ6OuZvz0A

Thanks to Starstruck Entertainment for coordinating this video message from Carly Pearce (2021 CMA Musical Vocalist of the Year)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G5kgEUlwmw

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Message from Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFpOdOgyqkI

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

The rep for NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre reached out to me in March of 2022 to let me know that he and Brett were in town for a coaching clinic and that Brett would like to do something special for my students while he was in town.  Here is a video link from our Brett Favre event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR9aB9tvtKo

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson made this great message for my students in addition to sending a nice handwritten message for my students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Digtf-5L0WI

NFL running back Adrian Peterson (former Minnesota Vikings player/current Detroit Lion) made this nice video message for the students when he played in Washington. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dycwLD2xu6M

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

A special thanks to Lenny Daniels (President of Turner Sports), Ben, and the NBA on TNT crew for coordinating this video with Shaq, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5uZJq7HXDs

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Thanks TNT for coordinating a video message from one of the greatest hockey players all time.  Check out the nice message from Wayne Gretzky.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGdlup01r6Q

UFC

Former UFC fighter/current WWE wrestler Ronda Rousey (who also happens to be a North Dakota native like myself) made this knockout script to motivate my students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypGoeVNlHow

FORMULA ONE

A special thanks to McLaren Racing for coordinating a video message from Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiC6B3sUtUQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph3Rp0CaPOA

GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles is arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time. Here is “flippin” fun video she made for my students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAAiuccrLPk

ENTERTAINMENT/BUSINESS

A special thanks to GEICO and The Martin Agency for coordinating this video with Jake Wood (voiceover of the Gecko).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olXVZSVrA0c

Thanks to Ali Z. (Senior Vice President, Communications NBC News) for coordinating this video featuring television personality and “The Voice” host Carson Daly.  A great message for my students!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qZQcvr1NV8

Minnesota native Andrew Zimmern (chef and foodie) along with his film team cooked up this great video for my program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mG3IJ-YT8Y

David Barnett (CEO/Inventor-PopSockets) has been a great supporter of my special needs program by donating customized "CR" (school logo) PopSockets for my students to earn throughout the year.  A special thanks to Michael Zakin (Vice President of Social Impact at PopSockets and a former Golden Globe winner for "Mozart in the Jungle") for taking time to coordinate this video for my class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkV0C9yAUZE

North Dakota native and actor Josh Duhamel has been a great supporter of my special needs program, due in large part to him being a good friend to my cousin, Scott. Josh recently filmed a movie titled "Buddy Games," and my cousin, along with a group of friends, made a brief cameo appearance. Thanks to Josh for producing this great video for my students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCsfAs0s5QA

The movie “RUDY” is based on the real-life events of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger and his passion and persistence to accomplish a dream.  All his life, people told Rudy he’s not good enough, not smart enough, not big enough.  But nothing stopped his passion for playing football at the University of Notre Dame.  Here is a great video message from the real “Rudy.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx19tIwZRH4

Awards/Honors

Minnesota Teacher of the Year Semifinalist, 2021

PACER Unity Award (Kindness Coordinator-Kindness Matters Campaign), 2017

Minnesota Promising Practice Award (Kindness Coordinator-Kindness Matters Campaign), 2017