Experience Summary
I have been very passionate about teaching struggling students, particularly in the area of reading. From 2000-2004, I taught struggling 8th grade readers and could see the impact that being behind in literacy skills has on students. Although I had already returned once to PSU in order to add my special education endorsement to my teaching license, I decided to return again to PSU and complete the Graduate Reading Program. I have also worked as a Title 1 Reading Specialist at the elementary level as well as a supplemental services provider within the public school setting through No Child Left Behind. Throughout the last 10 years, I have tutored students at both the middle and elementary school level in writing, spelling, reading and math. I am very driven to help struggling students be successful in school, as I had a child who struggled and I believe if given the adequate amount of support, any child can learn and be successful in school.
Teaching Style
My belief system says that ALL students need to be set up for success, as success breeds success. Throughout my teaching experience, I have found that students need a different model of learning from the 'one-size-fits-all' delivery system, which requires that all children learn the same thing at the same time regardless of what their individual needs are. The best way to describe my approach to teaching would be 'complex instruction', which falls under the umbrella of 'differentiated instruction'. Complex instruction is a strategy that was developed to address the various ranges of academic abilities while being culturally and linguistically heterogeneous. Equity of learning opportunity for all students is the objective of this teaching strategy.
| Type |
Level |
Year |
Title |
Issued by |
| Certification |
M.Ed |
1995 |
Elementary Education; Special Education |
Portland State University |
| Degree |
BS |
1994 |
Double Major: Psychology/Social Sciences |
Portland State University |
| Other |
24 credit hours |
2007 |
Graduate Reading Program |
Portland State University |
| Certification |
Teaching License |
1995 |
Elementary Education; Special Education |
Washington State Continuing Teaching License |
| Other |
Registered Counselor |
2004 |
Registered Counselor |
State of Washington |
| Degree |
current |
2010 |
Masters Counseliing Program |
Portland State University |