Experience Summary
Over the past fifteen years, most of my teaching skills have been in non-traditional settings. Providing education for diverse age populations in the area of community programs taught me a multitude of instructional strategies. In 2001, the lead special education teacher at a high school asked me to offer assistance. I was able to observe different teaching styles in classroom settings and to provide individual instruction to students with varying learning styles. My most recent position at Total Education Solutions offered me the opportunity to be in a classroom setting. Although my placement was with one child, my presence and skills in teaching and behavior modification called me to work in small groups and with other individual students. I adapted therapies and curriculum in order to fit the needs of the children. Working in conjunction with the Los Angeles Unified School District over the past seventeen months inspired me to pursue a teaching certification.
Teaching Style
I believe that a teacher's adaptability is the most essential skill. A teacher's style should be evaluated as often as a child's progress. All people develop at an individual pace and style so it makes sense that information should be presented in a manner that actually communicates to each child. Coming from a special education background, it is my belief that every person has the ability to learn. Adapting curriculum for each student would be ideal. For special education this is called the individual education plan. Tutoring, supplemental education, and individual attention to students help to provide this specialized, possibly ideal, situation.