EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
As a proponent of constructivism, I believe that students learn through both theory and practice. While knowledge starts from within the classroom, the experiences a student has in the world is also an important source of knowledge. The best environment for learning occurs when both theory and the real-life experience of a student interact in the classroom.
Because of the diverse experiences that each student brings into the classroom, I believe as an educator that it is my duty to understand these differences, honor their individuality, and adjust my teaching strategies when necessary to allow every student the chance to learn and grow.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Gonzaga University with a 3.3 G.P.A. I had a concentration in writing and minored in Women and Gender Studies.
As a member of the Multicultural Honor Society and a Dean’s List student for five semesters, I understood the challenges that came with being a student and an active participant in extracurricular activities. While challenged, I also experienced the satisfaction that came when overcoming those challenges and succeeding in the things that I was passionate about.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
While majoring in teacher education, I took courses that dealt with the psychology of children with exceptions, foundations of American education, learning theories, and teaching in the middle school.
For one semester, I did field experience in a middle school shadowing a seventh grade English teacher. During that time in the field, I was expected to conduct a mini lesson and a full lesson, while being observed, and I helped with other tasks, like grading papers and helping my teacher prepare her own lesson plans.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
While being a full- time student, I held two part-time jobs. I was also an active volunteer at the Spokane Harvest House and the Salvation Army. Some of my extra-curricular activities included holding the position of president for the club, Students Promoting Equality, Awareness, and Knowledge.
For two years I was the lead coordinator for two years of Take Back the Night, an annual event held on campus. This included holding the position of literary editor for the academic campus journal. I was also involved in The Fringe; presenting research at an intercollegiate research conference; and publishing three poems in the creative and artistic campus journal, Reflection.
My goal during college was to not only achieve academically, but to also take advantage of all the opportunities that would help me grow as a humanitarian in society.
