I have 8 years of teaching experience, including one year as a humanities coordinator, one year as a director of primary school, and one year as a director of curriculum. During my time as director of curriculum, I was frustrated by the lack of quality, student-centered lessons and materials. There are so many ways to design an engaging lesson without sacrificing academic rigor. However, I also realized that even though many teachers wanted to design more engaging materials, they did not have the time nor the resources to do it. It was then that I began to read, observe and listen for the things that make a classroom experience meaningful. I then began to combine that knowledge with my newly acquired skills in graphic design, to create educational materials worthy of using inside the classroom. My only hope is that these materials will enable students--of all backgrounds and abilities--to learn in a meaningful way.
I believe that every person has the ability to learn. I believe that every person has the right to a quality education. My teaching style could be described as student-centered. I am concerned with the education of the whole child. In other words, my students' physical, mental, emotional, and social welfare are always at the forefront of every lesson, activity and process. I understand that acknowledging my students strengths, weaknesses and interests is fundamental for effective teaching and learning. I strive to create a classroom environment that is inclusive, compassionate, differentiated, and safe. Only then can students develop the kinds of skills that will allow them to grow and thrive in an ever-changing, technologically advanced world. Lastly, I believe that proper planning combined with student data, effective assessments, and clear, manageable learning objectives will allow every student to achieve their maximum potential. Moreover, teachers will feel more fulfilled knowing they did everything in their power to guide their students to achieve the best version of themselves.
Teacher of the Year - from 2012-2014
Bachelors Degree in History - UC Berkeley - Masters Degree in Social Science - University of Chicago - Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Buckingham University
My other interests include: soccer (football), NFL, exercising, cooking, cleaning, touring museums and archeological sites, reading, graphic design, building, writing, and taking different workshops.
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Staff, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Reading, Grammar, Specialty, Social Studies, Ancient History, Civics, U.S. History, European History, World History, World Languages, Spanish, ESL-EFL-ELL, ELA Test Prep, British History, Geography, Other (Social Studies), Critical Thinking, Psychology, Character Education, Reading Strategies, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Black History Month, Informational Text, Close Reading, African History, Classroom Community