Experience Summary
A graduate of the University of Virginia, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Media Studies. Shortly after finishing school, I moved to Brazil to work as a research assistant to a professor and documentary filmmaker at the Federal University of Bahia. I was also able to expand my own research on educational opportunities in marginalized communities in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Through my research assistantships and media internships, as well as through managing my own media projects and studies, I have developed strong computing, writing and communication skills. I have taught classes in web design, film editing, English grammar, and English conversation. In addition, I have tutored students in journalism, sociology, media studies, math, reading, and writing.
Teaching Style
During lessons, I am patient, calm, well-spoken, but challenging. I continually ask my students questions and make sure the focus stays on them and their learning rather than myself. I find that the discovery approach works well in my classes and students are always willing to participate in fun games and other activities that allow them to find the answer on their own. The best teacher is one that is always willing to learn and wants to help the individual become a well-rounded person, not just someone who can always give the correct answer.
Paulo Freire, the late Brazilian Sociologist, was not only one of the greatest thinkers of the century, but also a humble educator. He believed that there should be no set boundaries between student and teacher because all people have something to contribute. He also believed that one's education should be rooted in the one's reality. Thus a "student" learns best through using the tools of the "classroom" to understand the community and world at large. I have used this approach in my own tutoring and teaching. For example, when tutoring Sociology, I encourage the students to apply the abstract theories to their own lives and make sure to provide examples that they can identify in their own experiences. The key is to give the student the tools to connect what they are learning to their own experience. By doing so, they learn to not only complete that math problem or understand that English grammar rule, but to problem solve on a larger scale and understand such things as the cultural norms that govern the rules of grammar or English etiquette. This helps students feel in control of their learning, feel more confident with the material as well as maintain interest in the subject matter.
| Type |
Level |
Year |
Title |
Issued by |
| Degree |
BA |
2007 |
Sociology and Media Studies |
University of Virginia |
| Certification |
40 Credit Hours |
2007 |
Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Langauge |
Oxford Seminars |
| Certification |
Honors |
2007 |
Teaching Business English |
Oxford Seminars |
| Other |
Merit Award |
2006 |
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship |
Institute for International Education |
| Other |
Merit Award |
2003 |
Comcast Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship |
Comcast Cable, Inc. |
| Other |
Intermediate |
2006 |
Portuguese |
School for International Training |
| Other |
Seminar and Independent Research |
2006 |
Culture, Development and Social Justice in Brazil |
School for International Training |
| Other |
30 hours |
2008 |
Court Advocate for Foster Youth Training |
CASA of DC |