Experience Summary
In May 1997, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Superior State University with a major in English Language and Literature and a minor in French Language and Literature. In May 1998, I graduated from Michigan State University with a Michigan Provisional Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education. My experiences as a technical writer, web designer, and writing tutor have been invaluable and have strengthened my skills both as a writer and as a teacher of writing. In addition, I have taught French for one year in an urban school district, volleyball for four years, and private piano lessons for over ten years, affording me the opportunity to expand my repertoire of teaching modalities.
Teaching Style
Throughout my career, from tutor to high school teacher to entrepreneur, I have learned how to effectively convey new material to students in many ways (based on Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences), to draw on students’ background knowledge and interest areas in order to teach new material, to be patient with students who do not “get it” on the first try, and to allow students to succeed and grow at their own pace. It is my nature and philosophy to look for the best in students and to do whatever is necessary to help them perform to their fullest potential. Overall, my educational and personal experiences have prepared me well to be an educator and a lifelong learner.