Professional Page

My Teaching Philosophy
I believe the number one important thing about teaching is the students you are teaching. You have to get to know your students in-depth to truely be able to understand the best way to teach them. Tapping into individual interests and abilities will create an atmosphere any student can learn in. Also, providing plenty of hands-on opportunities for learning such as field trips and experiments will help maximize learning. Getting students involved in their school work will make them want to learn it more!

Career Goals
My goal as a teacher is to make an impact on every student I come in contact with. Whether it be my own student or someone reaching out for help. My goal is to improve the lives of those I work for, my students.

My Education
High School - I went to Berrien Springs High School in Berrien Springs, MI. I graduated with a GPA of 3.82 and was a honor student all four years.
College - I currently am attending Western Michigan University. I am majoring in Special Education: Cognitively Impaired and Learning Disabled. I have a double minor one in Elementary Mathematics and the other in Early Childhood Education. I hold a 3.4 GPA and was listed on the Deans List for the 2007-2008 school year.

Work Experiences
Certified Nurses Assistant - For the past two years I have been working as a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA). I worked at Lakeland HealthCare from June 2006 - August 2008 as a CNA. I now currently am working at Heritage Community of Kalamazoo as a CNA. I assist residents of the nursing home with activities of daily living and provide comfort care for them.
Food Service Assistant - From July 2005-June 2006 I worked for Lakeland HealthCare as a food service assistant. I worked in the kitchen preparing meals for residents and setting up their food trays. Also, I served residents in the dining hall as well as clean up after meals. I washed dishes after meals and stocked bulk products in the kitchen.
Classroom Aide - My senior year in high school (Aug 2005-June 2006) I had the opportunity to do co-op for my high school. For co-op I was set up as a classroom aide at Blossomland Learning center, which is a school specifically for those with special needs. I assisted the teacher in supervising the students during daily activities and helped put together homework packets.
YMCA Gymnastics Instructor - From Sept. 2005-June 2006 I worked at the local YMCA as a gymnastics instructor. My students ranged from ages 5-12 and were at many different atheletic abilities. I taught the basics of gymnastics and worked with other co-workers to spot the students. Also, I set up fun activities to enforce the idea of teamwork.

Volunteer Activities/Hobbies
Alternative Spring Break - This past year I was able to go on a trip with the Alternative Spring Break program. Me and a group of other WMU students went to Crotched Mountain, NH to volunteer at their school and day program. We got to work with students with special needs and those that had tramatic brain injuries.
Alternative Winter Experience - For the fall 2008 semester I will be participating as a AWE site leader. I will organize a trip with other WMU students to a volunteer location in the US.
Fall Welcome Ambassador - Fall of 2008 I will be helping incoming WMU freshman get tours of campus and involve them in exciting activities across campus.

Here is a link to my ProfilePro image that shows I am on my way to meeting all the ISTE Technology Standards for Preservice Teachers. I have also provided a link that lists all the ISTE Technology Standards

ProfilePro Image

ISTE Technology Standards for Perservice Teachers