BELIEVE
Technologies
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCES
with Grades K-12 & University
BACHELORS of Arts
My passionate and excitement about education began as a child. At the beginning of my graduate studies, I was drawn to how students learned. I had such questions such as: What made some students successful at learning, while others seem to struggle? What process of education most engaged students and made learning 'fun?' How can differentiation of materials and concepts help all students be successful learning in the classroom? What classroom management practices lead to the best learning environment? What procedures and routines help students thrive and set them up for success?
University of Michigan
UNDERGRAD: PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY & MOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Work & Volunteer: Homeless shelters, Juvenile Detention Facilities, ESE Paraprofessional, Autistic ABA Tutor, Kinko's Copy Center, Teens for Christ Staff, Youth Pastor
8th Grade English Language Arts / Poetry Slams / Community Literacy Celebration Coffee Nights / Freedom Writers & Ann Frank Journey
My students went from "non-readers" to "what's next readers" to insightful writers. Some students had learning gains, but many did not yet score "proficient." We were devastated and asked why? . . .
6th Grade Ancient World Civilizations / Inquiry Based Learning / Incorporated Reading Strategies / Project & Activity Based Lessons
My class was the only class in this large Urban Middle School that had significant learning gains, and was recognized by the superintendent.
5th Grade All Inclusive Classroom / Yearbook Photographer, Coordinator, and Designer / School Play Director / Student Led Portfolio's Professional Development
Students are still connected with me to this day via social media. It's been exciting watching their amazing careers and life experiences.
Reflections from teaching at South Carolina
My students went from "non-readers" to "what's next readers." At Busbee, some students had learning gains, but many did not yet score "proficient." When they asked me why, why had they not passed. I had to reflect and ask myself the same question. They were highly intelligent students, I reviewed the tests, the wording, the selected texts, the writing topics, and began realizing part of the issue is the tests seemed bias, unfair, and were written in a way that prevented my students, Urban students, impoverished students, from achieving as highly as their White and/or more affluent student counterparts. I encouraged my students to keep reading, keep learning, keep fighting, and not to give up! They in turn encouraged me to do the same. I decided wanted to know more, learn more, so that I could do more. So I continued my advanced studies in Reading.
K-12
Masters of Arts
I focused my studies on Urban Education as well as Engagement and Motivation of Reading.
Eastern Michigan University
6th Grade Reading and Language Arts / Team Leader / School-Wide Reading Initiative / School Improvement Team / Professional Development
Working with students who did not like Reading and did not read well, I fostered an environment where a love of Reading could grow. Many of my students read 40 books in a year. My students read The River, and had such amazing Social Emotional Learning breakthroughs as well as Reading gains. Students wrote the author, who came and visited them. The students and I created a special memorable event.
K-12
MASTERS OF ARTS
In desiring to get a jump start on my doctoral studies, I began taking classes in an area my previous research had shown to be the biggest difference maker as well as the biggest needs in Urban Schools: Technology. Although I was not able to complete my Urban Doctoral Degree during this time, my research, learning, and studies throughout the program have been invaluable.
Eastern Michigan University
Educational Technology / Learning Portfolios
Reading Specialist / Team Leader / 2nd Grade Math Teacher / 5th Grade All Subjects / 5th Grade Math & Science / 5th Grade Science
Media Specialist / Reading Initiatives / Broadcasting Class & Daily Recorded Announcements / Cooking & Wellness Club / Walking Club
Student
In my life-long pursuit of education and knowledge, I completed Florida Atlantic University's program in paralegal studies and have a certification as a paralegal.
9th & 10th Grade Reading Teacher / Team Leader / Designed Online Courses of Study / Supported Teachers in Distance Learning Transition
K-12
Masters of Arts
In my passionate pursuit of Reading and Technology integration in the classroom. I have developed a strong believe in student-led learning. I believe that students should be taught metacognitive skills, their strengths, and be empowered to design their own learning journey with teachers guiding them along the way. I have successfully assisted many educators and it has been their encouragement that has prompted me to complete my Masters in Educational Leadership.
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF EDUCATION