Experience Summary
A significant portion of my professional career has included working with youth in classroom settings, community-based programs, and juvenile detention centers. In addition, I traveled extensively throughout Florida as an Education and Training Coordinator for Service Learning projects. This exposed me to the unique challenges that teachers, school administrators, parents, and students face on a daily basis. As a researcher for gang programs, I developed great empathy for youth desiring to leave gang-related violence and pursue educational goals to improve their lives. During the past three years I have worked with students in small group settings and one-on-one. Specific areas of study have included English, writing, and assisting students with developing critical thinking skills. Last year I taught a six week summer course in English; the target audience was children of migrant workers. Since 1995, I have also conducted conflict resolution seminars and classes for youth.
Teaching Style
As a Training Coordinator for service-learning projects throughout Florida, I learned about the effectiveness of service-learning strategies. The opportunity to apply what is learned in classroom settings promotes retention of all subjects. In one project, students learned about homelessness in Palm Beach County, Florida and throughout the United States. Students empowered themselves when they spearheaded a food drive and conducted an assessment of homeless people in Palm Beach County. This process enriched their empathy for people in need. In addition, I challenge students with thought-provoking situations that increase their critical thinking ability and communication skills. One such example included the shootings at Columbine and why young persons might commit such an atrocity. This helps to promote self-discovery and critical thinking as well. The treatment of individuals with the utmost of dignity and integrity also form solid fixtures of my teaching style.