Experience Summary
I attended Columbia University in New York City, graduating in three years with my BA in English. There, my passion for books and writing reached new heights--and, I realized I wanted to share my passion with others through teaching and tutoring. Columbia's core curriculum also gave me the chance to pursue other academic interests, such as calculus, chemistry, social psychology, music and art humanities, and Eastern cultures. I attained my secondary teaching certification last December and gained valuable experience working with students in the classroom as a mentor and student teacher. In addition, I have worked as a substitute teacher, summer camp counselor and director, and girls basketball coach in the past four years.
Teaching Style
For me, meaning is at the heart of what it means to be a teacher. If what I am teaching means nothing to my students, then I can expect them to retain very little. Yet, if I can make learning dynamic, interesting, engaging, interactive, and fun, then learning—powerful learning--can happen. In addition, I believe students must create their own knowledge of a subject, learn through discovery, and question until they find answers on their own. I am ever the optimistic and idealist, seeking the best in all my students and believing in them no matter what their limitations are. Throughout the learning process, I believe expectations should remain high, laughs should be shared, and connections should be made. I am confident that I can touch the lives of my students by uniting meaningful teaching, a constructivist approach to learning, an unwavering positive attitude, and a comfortable working environment.