Experience Summary
In 2009, I was a professional tutor(as opposed to a peer-tutor) for the Biology Department of Ulster County Community College, NY, for students struggling with: Bio 100 for non-science majors, Bio 101—an intro course for those planning to continue but lacking a strong background, Bio 105—General Bio required by all biology-related programs, and Bio 109—Human Bio for non-science majors. I noted that if students needed Biology assistance, they often needed Chemistry assistance also, so the basics of that had to be included in order for topics like macromolecules and cellular respiration to make any true sense at all.
I have substitute taught for the past four years, and conducted two graduate field studies.
Teaching Style
I strive to make connections to real life by using real specimens when possible, familiar situations, manipulatives, current events, and such to facilitate comprehension. I found from tutoring college students having difficulties with complex concepts such as protein synthesis, DNA replication, photosynthesis, and meiosis, that for all students, “hands on” can be a very helpful, and ultimately a more efficacious and expedient, way to teach. It can not only be a welcome and refreshing change/respite from the ‘usual textbook and ditto’ drill, but also helps by illustrating complex processes and concepts in a basic comprehensible manner first; I then add the more difficult material to the ‘firmer’ foundation.
| Type |
Level |
Year |
Title |
Issued by |
| Degree |
MS |
2009 |
Education/Environmental Studies |
SUNY New Paltz |
| Degree |
BS |
2005 |
Education/Biology |
SUNY New Paltz |
| Certification |
7-12 |
2007 |
Biology |
NYS Department of Education |
| Certification |
1-6 |
2006 |
Childhood Education |
NYS Department of Education |
| Certification |
Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential |
2009 |
Biological Sciences |
Commission on Teacher Credentialing CA |
| Certification |
Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential |
2009 |
General Subjects |
Commission on Teacher Credentialing CA |
| Degree |
AAS |
2000 |
Individual Studies/Biology |
Ulster County Community College |