My Educational History
KNOWLEDGE
I have always known that I wanted to work with children. Both of my parents were educators, and I got to enjoy the life that they lived. I saw how they touched and motivated children. I instinctively knew that this was something that I wanted to be a part of when I grew up. During my senior year of High School, I embarked on one final work study to narrow down what career I might pursue. I observed a Speech Language Pathologist do therapy with children who had various speech disorders. Immediately, I fell in love with her job. It was the same basis as teaching, but the children were helped through individual attention. I decided I wanted to major in Speech Pathology and Audiology and minor in Elementary Education. This way I could have many options with my professional career. I can work in schools, hospitals, doctor's offices, or even have my own private practice.
I have had experience working with children in by volunteering in my Mother's classroom, tutoring, volunteering, and observing children in the Charles Van Riper Speech and Hearing Clinic. I will also perform therapy on my own personal client next semester. Presently, I am part of a field experience project where I utilize the reading instruction methods I have learned so far. I work with children indiviually, in groups, and with the whole classroom. I also used to be as assitant dance teacher, as well as a full dance teacher. I instructed children from the ages of 3-16 in the dance arforms of Jazz, Ballet, and Musical Theatre. I have also been a Vacation Bible School teacher at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lapeer, Michigan. I got a sense of teaching a classroom of students various subjects, preparing lesson plans, transporting the class to various activities (gym, chapel, and recess).
I have also participated in other experiences. I have been a volunteer research participant for many Graduate Students and Professors in the Speech Pathology and Audiology department at Western Michigan University. I volunteered in the Charles Van Riper Speech and Hearing Clinic as well. I worked two times a week with a client with Aphasia, and also attended group therapy sessions.
Another experience that has helped me grow has been my participation in the Deaf culture. I took American SIgn Language classes throughout high school and part of college. Through these classes I met and befriended many Deaf people. We visited each other houses, went shopping, to the movies, and I even attended their Senior Prom. Through my friends, I got to learn how to use a Teletypewriter, the Michigan Relay Service, and see the educational programs available to people who are deaf. I became fluent, and recenlty rusty, in the Flint, Michigan dialect of American Sign Language.
Here are some links to papers I wrote about some of my previous experiences with children and experiences that influenced my decision to become a Speech Language Pathologist. There are also some examples of my previous volunteer experiences.
Understanding and Implementing ASHA
Volunteering Experience with a Client with Aphasia
Research on Assistive Technology
Observation of a Speech Language Pathologist
Equitable Instruction in the Classroom
Research on Understanding the Educational and Cultural Choices Available to Deaf Children
Application to the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology at Western Michigan University
RESUME
Andrea Quast
Objective- To become a certified teacher and speech language pathologist
Job Experience
1999-2001 Dynamic Dancewear North Branch, MI
Sales Representative and Secretary
- answered telephones
- placed orders
-took inventory
2001-2002 Dynamic Dance Studio North Branch, MI
Dance Instructor
-choergraphed dances
-instructed children ages 3-16
- managed parental concerns
Education
1999-2002 North Branch High School North Branch, MI
2000-2001 Baker Community College
2000-2002 Mott Community College
2002-2004 Western Michigan University
Majoring in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology
Minoring in Elementary Education
Lee Honors College Student
Interests
Volunteer work
- National Honors Society President from 2001-2002
coordinated blood drives, Challenge Air, fall clean-up
placed volunteers in schools and tutoring
-Charles Van Riper Speech and Language Clinic
worked with Aphasia patients in small groups and indivually
- Marathon Walks
participated in Western Michigan University's Campus Classic
- Vacation Bible School Teacher
taught First Graders at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lapeer, Michigan
-Research Participant
participated in various research projects for Western Michigan Speech Pathology Graduate Students as well as Professors
Member of Associations
- Alpha Lamba Delta Honor Society Member
- National Student Speech Language and Hearing Assosiation member
Homepage 
My Personal Theory 
Technology in the Classroom
All About Me 
Why I Want to be a Teacher
page last updated October 27, 2004