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~Professional Page~
****check out my resume***
~What and Who is a teacher?~
A teacher to me, is someone with passion for learning. A teacher should not give answers, a teacher should help the pupil find answers. A teacher should not demand memorization or regurgitation, a teacher should inspire exploration. A teacher should foster an environment where all students feel appreciated, valued and important. A teacher should encourage individualism while highlighting the importance of a team effort. A teacher must model the types of critical and intuitive thinking they want their students to use. They should act as a contributing member of the class while maintaining a safe and efficient learning environment. A teacher is a role model, a confidant, and a life long support system for all of his or her students.
~Career and Job Goals~
I would love to obtain a job as a teacher of upper elementary in a diverse school system. I have a preference for earth or life science but am only highly qualified to teach grade sixth through eighth; Language Arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies. I would like to return to WMU to obtain my science endorsement when I have completed my Bachelor's degree. Eventually I will begin work on my Master's degree, hopefully in Outdoor or Environmental Education. I would also like to continue coaching (basketball or softball) or running an after school program dealing with athletics. Finally, I would like to have the opportunity to become involved in curriculum development.
~Education~
Associates of Arts
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
GPA: 3.94
Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
GPA: 3.92
Minors: Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies
Work
~Work Experience~
King Westwood Elementary School, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI
Pre-Intern Teacher- January-Present
Privileged to work with a diverse group of fifth graders across all content areas. Using curriculum materials as a template customized a mini thematic unit on sound and energy waves with multi-sensory learning needs as a driving force. Encouraged higher order thinking through independent practice activities such as predicting, synthesizing, and constructing original ideas. Used Authentic Assessment. Further developed personal classroom management plan.
Parkwood UpJohn Elementary School, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI
Field Placement-Pre-Intern Teacher – January- April 2007
Actively assisted in the reading and writing education of first graders two days a week for two hours. Administrated student interviews to gain a more concrete understanding of the intricacies of teaching reading to emerging readers. Utilized specific strategies for teaching reading including phonemic awareness, and the four-block approach involving, read aloud, guided reading, writing, and working with words.
Washington Writers Academy Elementary School, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI
Field Placement- October-December 2006
Observed and participated in Writers’ Workshop during which students from various grade levels demonstrate writing abilities. Analyzed the effectiveness of different teaching techniques. Described and developed own personal teaching writing philosophy.
Galesburg- Augusta Elementary School, Galesburg-Augusta Public Schools, Galesburg, MI
Extern teacher- January-June 2003
Partnered with the Elementary Physical Education teacher to develop instructional lesson plans that could be adopted easily across the K-5 curriculum. Lead whole and small group exercises and independent practice activities.
Unique Skills and Talents
I have served and bartended at Main St. Pub on S. Westnedge Avenue in Portage, Michigan for the last two years. Paying my way trough college in the service industry as taught me many skills, especially the ability to speak and connect with people from all different walks of life. It has also given me an exemplary work ethic, perseverance, and leadership skills.
My coaching experiences are numerous. I started off volunteering as a weekend coach for a youth program at my local high school. Through out high school I was fortunate to coach a 5th and 6th grade combined girls basketball team for the youth program. During college I was an assistant for the seventh grade girls basketball coach at Galesburg Augusta Middle School. After two years of assisting I took the head coach position. We had much success, finishing the season 6-5. Last season I was able to "loop" with my seventh grade team as they moved onto 8th grade. My boyfriend and I coached the girls to an .500 season 5-5!
I am an avid outdoors woman. My love for hunting and fishing have made me quite the angler as well. Always respecting the land and the animals, I have been honored to harvest several wild turkey, geese, and ducks.
Image of a wild turkey taken behind my parent's home in Galesburg, MI
My Dog Bella, with a mallard dog retrieved behind my parent's home along the Kalamazoo River.
~Volunteer Activities~
I have been extremely fortunate to have been raised in a home that values selflessness and caring. Growing up I volunteered many summers as a Vacation Bible School leader at our home church, Galesburg United Methodist Church. I was also a member of the National Honor Society during my junior and senior year of high school volunteering my time at the local Red Cross Blood Drives and Food Pantries. I spent many hours tutoring young readers and writers. As a senior I was a student mentor to a struggling freshman and was able to help him stay on track with homework and studying. College has definitely tested my time management skills, and fortunately I have been able to utilize my hard work ethic to accomplish my goals. Juggling work, school, and community involvement has better prepared me for life challenges and eventually a busy teacher's schedule!
Profiler Pro Survey
ISTE Technology Standards for Preservice Teachers
Let's Talk!
phone: 269-756-1324
Parker Hill Elementary: room 209
Updated on: July 6, 2008