Teacher
6/7 ELA teacher; King Middle School, Portland, ME
8/18 – Present
Teacher
9th grade English; Deering High School, Portland, ME
9/14 – 8/18
Teacher
High School Creative Writing Coach; University of New Hampshire
7/13 – 7/19 (Summers)
- The UNH Writer's Academy is a fantastic experience (and the kids like it too!). A small group of high school writers who have chosen to spend a week of their summer on the campus of UNH writing, and collaborating, and meeting authors. The goal is to write, to leave at the end of the week with at least some pieces started. I provide students with prompts and feedback and the opportunity to write and share with like-minded peers. Read more about the program here.
Teacher
8th grade English; Shapleigh Middle School, Kittery, ME
8/08 – 6/14
- I teach 8th grade Language Arts in this small public school. The focus is on critical thinking skills and communicating that thinking orally and through their writing in a professional manner.
- At my urging, the 8th grade team, Principal, and Curriculum Coordinator attended a two day seminar at King Middle school to learn and observe Expeditionary Learning. My time as an intern at King convinced me of the positive impact the ELOB model can have on students, and staff. The 8th grade team pioneered this movement with their first Expedition (modeled after one we saw at King) in February of 2011.
- Technology is a big part of Language Arts.
- My students and I often use the SmartBoard during class.
- I used two websites in class.
- The first is one I created and maintain - the LA website; which provides students a place to find assignments, resources on the current unit of study, and download misplaced handouts.
- I also use Goodreads.com (a social media site centered on books and reading) to encourage all students to be readers.
- I am a part of the Staff Council (the building leadership team).
- I am part of the Technology Leadership team, both at the building and district level.
- I provide professional development during the school year and summer on Google Apps for Education, Infinite Campus, and SmartBoard as well as other technology needs as identified by the staff.
Substitute Teacher
7th grade English; Lincoln Middle School, Portland, ME
5/12/08 – 6/18/08
- I entered this seventh grade Language Arts classroom position after one days notice. I taught a unit on poetry, focusing on eight important poetic elements/devices. I designed this unit after deciding that the students would create a book demonstrating their writing, reading, discussing, and searching for meaning in poetry. I set up a website with links to poems, specific examples of the poetic devices, and poetry resources.
Teaching Intern
7th grade English; King Middle School, Portland, ME
1/08 – 4/08
- I interned in the seventh grade at King Middle through the ETEP program, from January to May. While at King, I designed an online survey that gathered information about the students, including their learning styles, which I used to inform the planning and teaching of my unit. I created a blog page on which the students discussed and responded to the novel Speak. I guided the students through the writing process and asked them to create a five-paragraph essay related to Speak. I also created a WebQuest that was used as part of the kick-off for the expedition on Immigration. The expeditionary model was a fantastic experience, and the collaboration that I witnessed was laudable. The team approach to teaching and positive atmosphere that I was welcomed into and became a part of, reinforced my belief in the importance of communication and collaboration between teachers, support staff, and the administration.
Teaching Intern
10th and 12th grade English; Portland High School, Portland, ME
9/07 – 12/07
- I interned at Portland High through the ETEP program, from September to December. During this time, I worked primarily with three senior classes. I designed and implemented a unit that covered Seamus Heany’s A Burial at Thebes. I also designed and taught the first half of a unit on Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front. Additionally, I guided students in drafting and revising college application essays.
Manager
Eggspectations Restaurant
6/05 – 9/07
- I was responsible for daily opening and closing duties associated with the restaurant, maintaining customer satisfaction, handling reservations and planning of events. I also provided supervision and performance feedback for the staff. I was responsible for the daily operation of the restaurant including cashing out 9-14 servers and 2-4 bartenders daily.
Behavioral Specialist I
Interim Healthcare
11/04 – 9/05
- I worked one on one with a seven-year-old boy with ADHD and learning disabilities. I collaborated with the Behavioral Specialist II to develop and successfully implement a behavior modification treatment plan. I worked closely with the family in their home and individually with the client in the community.
Residential Support Worker
Port Resources Inc.
1/02 – 5/02
- I worked with four teens (two boys and two girls) in a group home and social setting with other support staff. In collaboration with the staff, I reviewed and implemented treatment plans for each client.