Master of Arts in Education East Lansing, MI August 2013 - Present (24 Credits Complete)
The Master of Arts in Education Degree (MAED) from MSU is an online study of advanced professional knowledge related to teaching and learning. My degree program was focused specifically in literacy education, which focused on dynamic approaches to teaching literature, writing, and online instruction for K-12 students.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Studies (RX) Minor in English Education (BA) East Lansing, MI August 2009 - May 2013
I obtained my bachelor's degree from the College of Social Science at Michigan State University. In my Undergraduate time, I learned to become an effective social studies and English educator. I also participated in a study away program in Washington D.C. on a study of the Civil War.
Teaching Experience
Bath Middle School Teacher 6th-8th Grade English Educator Bath, MI August 2014 - Present
I have been teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade language arts at Bath Middle School since 2014. During this time, I have also taught current events, literature, guided academics, and critical inquiry. I have received a "proficient" evaluation by my administrator at the end of each school year. In addition to teaching, I also head the Peer Assisted Leadership (PALS) team at Bath Middle School. I have experience tracking and measuring student growth in the language arts common core standards. I have regularly attended student events outside of school hours including band concerts and sporting events, and I have volunteered at numerous events such as chaperoned after school Fab Fridays, Spring Fling Dance, and officiating powderpuff football games.
DeWitt High School Government and U.S. History Student Teacher DeWitt, MI August 2013 - May 2014
I student taught in an 11th grade government and 10th grade U.S. classroom at DeWitt High School. I was fortunate to be paired with two excellent mentor teachers in Mr. Michael Brya and Mr. Bill McCullen. I spent a lot of time during this year crafting brand new lesson plans incorporating current events, utilizing technology, and designing student projects to demonstrate their learning of objectives. I led multiple debates, including President Truman's decision to use atomic bombs and gun ownership rights. Students also enjoyed the mock elections, trials, caucuses, and primaries. Additionally, students came fluent in analyzing political cartoons and could easily identify the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Technical Skills Associated with Teaching: One to One ChromeBooks, Google for Education(sites, classroom, docs, slides), Microsoft Office (word, excel, powerpoint), Powerschool, Jing, Weebly, Quizlet, Electronic Presentation Skills, Copyright Knowledge.
Additional Work Experience
Elite Officiating Member - College Basketball 2012- Present
I was hired to referee mens college basketball after just a few years of officiating high school basketball. This is a tribute to my ability to effectively communicate and maintain professionalism in a multitude of working environments. There is also a requirement of rules knowledge, maintaining adequate physical condition, and continuous professional development through yearly assessments. Another excellent skill I have learned through this trade is the importance of teamwork, as each and every night requires full commitment from all members of the officiating crew to do a successful job working the game.
Capital Area Officials Association Member - Football and Basketball Lansing, MI 2009-Present I am a local high school basketball and football official in the Lansing area for the Capital Area Officials Association. I was selected to work a semi-final for boys basketball at the Breslin Center in East Lansing in 2015, and a Division I football regional final in 2014. I have volunteers my time and personally selected to help train, develop, and observe younger basketball officials in the Lansing area.
American Youth Basketball Tour (AYBT) Administrative Assistant (Summers Only) 2009-Present
Every summer I work many tournaments for AYBT on weekends throughout Michigan helping to coordinate youth basketball tournaments so they run smoothly. The job requirements include working as a building manager, organizing and keeping track of scoreboards and scorebooks, documenting player rosters, operating admissions and finances, communicating with coaches to develop tournament brackets with seeds, responding to conflicts, managing referee schedules, and setting up courts and team information.
Bath Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach 2015-2016
I was selected by the athletic director of Bath Community Schools to be the head coach for the girls varsity soccer team. The skills required for this job were organizing team practices using basic knowledge of soccer coaching, keeping track of player stats, using technology to study game film, effective lead a group of adolescent student athletes, prepare the athletes physically for practice and game competitions, be a role model for student-athletes on and off the field, communicate with parents, and help with fundraisers. All of these skills were implemented during my tenure as head coach. We went 14-3 on the season and I was selected as the Lansing Area Coach of the Year. Due to wanting to focus on my leadership as a teacher in the middle school as well as the PALS coordinator, I stepped down from this position after one year.
DeWitt Area Recreation Authority Camp Counselor/Coordinator 2013-2014 (Summer Only)
I learned many educational skills by working as a camp counselor for 5-14 year olds at DARA. I was promoted to Camp Coordinator during my second summer working with them because of my leadership skills and ability to communicate with my peers, the kids, and the parents. My responsibilities included disciplinary measures for misbehaved campers, including communication with home. I planned several field trips, including visiting Michigan State University, SpareTime bowling alley, and the East Lansing Water Complex. I led creative educational exercises, outdoor adventures, and facilitated the daily care and safety by designing age appropriate exercises for the campers.