Skills
Throughout my professional career, I have worked with a variety of people. I am currently working with a Deaf student in an Autistic Support Classroom. Preceding this, I worked with Kindergarten through 12th grade deaf and hard of hearing students in mainstreamed settings. All of these students have varying academic and intellectual backgrounds. My work experience also includes working in South Korea as an English as a foreign language teacher. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a Undergraduate Teaching Assistant and tutor for American Sign Language classes.
Through these positions, I have utilized my communication skills while working cooperatively with peers, parents, staff, and students. I have been able to use my skills and knowledge in English, Korean, and American Sign Language to communicate with people. It also gave me the time to become familiar with multiple teaching approaches as I have worked with students from Kindergarten to the college level with varying backgrounds, cultures, and academic needs. The varying students’ backgrounds have allowed me to become sensitive to cultural diversity. It has also given me a deeper understanding of IEPs, disabilities, and the importance of differentiating instruction to meet all students’ needs.
I have become comfortable performing informal, formal, and standardized assessments. I am extremely detail orientated and have developed organizational skills to help me to keep and maintain accurate progress monitoring records and paperwork for all my students. I have previous experience working with student and personnel records, thus giving me an understanding of the importance of keeping those materials organized, safe, and confidential.
Technology
Using technology in the classroom is something I encourage all educators to do. It allows for more dynamic teaching and keeps students motivated. It also introduces students to new and different types of technology. While I think using technology is important, it should not replace instruction. It should be used as a supplemental tool for learning. During my teaching I have used:
• Digital Voice Recorders
• SMART and Eno Interactive Whiteboards and Software
• Electronic Mail Systems
• Google Applications (Google Docs, Google Earth, Google Pages, etc.)
• Microsoft Office Software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher)
• Projectors
• Video and Digital Cameras
• YouTube Clips
• OSMO: STEM Learning Game System
I am also proficient in other areas of technology including various coding systems (HTML and CSS), blogs, Chromebooks, and iPads.
“Your life as a teacher begins the day you realize you are always a learner.”
– Robert John Meehan