Experience Summary
I went to Penn State University to pursue a degree in social studies education and also to obtain a minor in Spanish. Once I considered teaching Spanish as a potential career option, I studied abroad for a semester in Spain where I lived with a host family, took classes that were taught in Spanish, and I traveled throughout the country. I graduated from Penn State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and minors in history and Spanish and obtained teaching certification in social studies in grades 7-12 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and in Spanish in Kindergarten through 12th grade. I am in the process of obtaining a teaching certification in the state of Kansas. I have spent the last 4 years teaching Spanish in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to students of all levels from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Teaching Style
My teaching style consists of a combination of direct instruction, active student participation, and frequent and differentiated assessment. I begin by presenting students with the information they will need to know for the unit that they are studying. I do this through the use of PowerPoint presentations, the SmartBoard, and video clips. I will often stop at several points throughout the lesson to see if students have any questions. I will also make sure that they are paying attention and will ask them questions about information they just learned, so I expect them to be paying attention and taking notes. Throughout the unit, I offer students plenty of opportunities to show me what they know through a variety of different formative assessments, such as textbook activities, homework, Tickets-Out-The-Door, group activities, presentations, and review game. At the end of the unit, I evaluate their mastery of the content through summative assessments such as quizzes, tests, essays, and projects. To ensure success on each of these assessments, I expect my students to be consulting their notes and studying on a regular basis.
My Hobbies
When I am not working with students, I can found spending time with family and friends or working out at the gym and lifting weights. I enjoy going for long walks, running, hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. I love exploring new areas and traveling throughout the United States. I have been to all 50 states and have visited several presidential birthplaces and homes as well as numerous museums, national monuments, battlefields, and national parks.
Other Comments
I have taught social studies and Spanish to students through many positions I have held as a teacher, tutor, and home bound instructor. I have also worked with students of all ages through other positions I have held as a camp counselor, camp director, and mentor. These positions have given me the training and skills I need in order to become the best tutor possible.
| American History |
 This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
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| I have taken many classes in American history, have traveled to many historically significant sites throughout the United States, and did my student teaching in an 8th grade American history class. |
| Government |
Proficiency: Experienced
|
| I have taken classes in college about government and have provided tutoring in this area. |
| Political Science |
Proficiency: Experienced
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| I am certified to teach political science and have provided tutoring in this area in the past. |
| Social Studies |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
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| This is my primary area of certification and the bulk of the classes that I took in college were geared toward teaching social studies. I hold a degree to teach social studies in grades 7-12. |
| Spanish |
This is one of my top subjects!
Proficiency: Expert
|
| This is a certification that I added on through tests that I had taken and passed. I have had 14 years of experience with Spanish through classes I had taken as a student in high school and college, my experience studying abroad for a semester in Spain, and my 4 years of teaching experience to students of all levels from Kindergarten through 12th grade. |