Experience Summary
During my undergraduate career, there were multiple influences that contributed to my passion for teaching. First, I tutored college students from Asia who were exchange students. This gave me the opportunity to apply what we learned in the classroom, and adapt to a culture that learns differently than Americans. Second, I tutored a high schooler in Spanish. I used this as a tool to see how a person can still learn when they are not interested in the subject. Third, I taught English last summer in Mexico. I was given a group of high school students, a book of lessons, and hardly any supplies. Resources were slim, but my creativity grew.
Teaching Style
I develop most of my lesson plans using GLAD principles. I like to use multiple senses, student interaction and various resources to keep the student active. When teaching a language, it is important to know the basic grammar structure first, and then speaking and listening follow. I work with people with disabilities, teaching them how to canoe with a company called Wilderness Inquiry. The company's motto is: Anyone, anywhere, anytime, any place. We strive to make this possible, because it is possible! It is possible to have a quadriplegic go on a canoe trip or a blind person to kayak through caves. I have learned that anything is possible with adaptation. While teaching, a successful teacher can allow everyone to learn, with adaptation.