Experience Summary
Ever since I was in the 5th grade I have known I wanted to teach. I spent my undergraduate career building a foundation of knowledge for this goal and got involved in tutoring a variety of students. I even taught a class of girls at the local juvenile prison. I earned my BA and went straight to my M.Ed, building even more on my already strong foundation. I've worked with all kinds of students at all ability levels and ages. During my time at UMCP I even worked at a childhood development center with kids from infancy up to age 12. I have very strong grammar and writing skills, as English and Writing were my major and minor in my undergraduate and have continued to be important focal points in my every day life. Both of my degrees, the experience I have gained in all of my placements, and the training I have received thus far have all joined together to continue my desire to teach.
Teaching Style
My focus has always been reaching students who may have fallen through the cracks or those who have not been given enough of a chance. I believe that all students have the right to a positive, equal, and challenging education. I love working with kids of all ages and know from my experiences, that no two kids learn in the exact same way. I take literacy education and writing very seriously and think that there are no greater skills to be taught then those of personal literacy. Students need to have examples who champion these skills in their lives and create a sense of desire to pursue them. Strong examples in my life have led me to my love of reading and writing; I would not be where I am without having had them in my life. One of the most important things I have learned so far in my career is that no one teacher can save every single student he or she comes into contact with. We can, however, change the lives of students one at a time while trying to help them all. By changing just one student's life for the better, you have, in turn, effected every life touched by that student in a chain reaction. I believe this is the best part about tutoring - changing lives one at a time.