Experience Summary
I have worked to educate others, always with a broad spectrum of abilities in various disciplines, starting with my first job working as a student assistant in a pre-school at the age of 16. My futile attempt to run away from the field of education led me to train individuals with disabilities or, using the term I prefer “various abilities” by working as a Family Service Specialist Trainer for over five years. The job title attracted me to the position because it listed the word “trainer”. I liked the word trainer and it is only recently that I allowed myself to acknowledge that a synonym for train is “teach”. I thought, “There goes that word again”. I “trained” children through adults on academic, effective communication, community integration, and many other skills. They call these skills “activities of daily living, hence training usually took place in the settings that promoted authentic acquisition and practice of these skills. These settings included their homes, schools, and group homes. During the last three year I have served as a Substitute teacher for Cobb County School and now as A Special Education Paraprofessional. I am working on two degrees simultaneously; Early Childhood K-5 and Special Education (LD/BD/EBD). During the last three year I have served as a Substitute teacher for Cobb County School and now as A Special Education Paraprofessional. I am working on two degrees simultaneously; Early Childhood K-5 and Special Education (LD/BD/EBD).
Teaching Style
I must say that it is an intrinsic passion of mine to foster the learning of others and there is no greater vehicle to do just that, than the “little engine that could” we call education. In any setting and with any age, it is my intention to provide as many experiences and as much instruction as I can to promote the education of the “whole” student. My focus is to create environments that are secure and allow for the continued emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth of the student. This safe environment will allow for risk taking (the child’s natural curiosity directs their learning) and the open opportunity to share ides. A teacher’s role, my role will be to guide the students by providing information and the tools necessary to help them navigate the learning process. I involve technology in lessons even if I must walk with my own laptop. Manipulatives are a focal point for me. They allow for me to model for the student and observe their transference of the information into task.