Math Grader: In 2011, I graded for the math department at Colorado State University. The first class I graded was Calculus I for Biologists. Each week I graded their homework assignments. The next class I graded for was Calculus I for Scientists and Engineers. They had a few labs that they completed, and I graded the labs. This experience showed me how to grade papers in a fair way that is consistent for the entire assignment. I learned how to look at students' work and know if they understood the material or not. This will be a very useful skill as a teacher.
PACe Center Tutor, Proctor, and Office Assistant: Since Spring 2011 I have worked at the PACe Center in the Math Department. PACe is an online program for students to take math from Algebra through Pre-Calculus. At the PACe center I proctor tests to make sure that no students are cheating. This will be a helpful skilll when I need to watch my students taking tests. I know strategies for how students cheat, so I will know what to look out for. I am also a tutor. For about 7 hours each week I sit in the tutoring room and help students on any math questions they have. This is great as a math education student because I stay on top of the math skills that I will be teaching at the high school level. Finally, in Fall 2012 I got a promotion to also be an office assistant. I work with students on a daily basis, answering questions based on the math program and keeping the program running smoothly. While it is difficult at times, it has helped me gain those customer service skills that will help me interact with students as well as parents and other teachers and administrators.
STEM Camp Counselor/Student Teacher: In the summers of 2011 and 2012 I worked at a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Camp held at Colorado State University. For three separate weeks, middle and high schoolers came to the campus and experienced what college is like. These students came from some of the worst schools in the state, so this allowed them the opportunity to get acquainted with college. The students were able to go to a science based class and experiment with high-tech equipment they did not have back home. As a counselor I was with the students for about 90 hours a week, from meals to class to fun activities. I also got to teach a mini-lesson each week to a group of students, practicing my teaching skills. This camp taught me so much about building relationships, interacting with a diverse group of students, and gave me teaching strategies.
Private Tutor: Starting in Spring 2013, I have private tutored a few non-traditional students. I work in the Adult Learner and Veteran Services Office and tutor a few adult veterans who are trying to complete their math courses. Furthermore, I tutor a woman through the Resources for Disabled Students Office on an individual basis. Both of these experiences have helped me learn how to teach to students of different learning styles. With all of these students, I have to think more creatively in how to help them understand the material. I believe that I get a better grasp of the math I am teaching because I have to think of "out of the box" explanations and processes for completing the problems. I am excited to continue this experience and to learn more about math and myself through the process.