Jodi

I am a former high school English teacher with an MFA in Writing from Pacific University Oregon, a BA in English from The University of Texas at Austin, and a lifetime teaching certification for the State of Texas in Secondary English. I taught grammar, reading comprehension, test-taking strategies, study skills, writing (including personal narratives, persuasive essays, research papers, creative writing, and essays for standardized tests). I also taught all forms of literature, including poetry, novels, short stories, mythology, Shakespeare, and The Odyssey. I worked in nonprofit education reform and served in an instructional leadership role for a prestigious and rigid alternative certification program. I had the opportunity to work hands-on with new teachers in both elementary and secondary grade levels for both public and charter school systems. I observed, coached, and advised new teachers in their classroom practices, lesson-plan preparations, and implementation of those lesson plans. Teaching is at the core of my unique skillset. I am a well-rounded individual with an ability to relate and connect with students and adults of all ages. This is especially due to my diverse career background, my competitive weightlifting hobby, and my wide love for reading. These things keep me grounded, focused, and dedicated. I love teaching students of all ages and helping them to succeed and to love learning. Teaching requires a unique combination of communication skills, metacognition, patience, and an appreciation for challenges. It is my job to ensure a student can relate to the material, stay focused on the lesson, and discover motivation while working towards the end goal. I want every student I work with to walk away learning something new, to feel a sense of accomplishment, and to experience increased confidence at the end of each session. Finally, I know the best teachers are the ones who understand the importance of being a student themselves. As a result, the more I teach, the more I learn about the subject. This enables me to put myself in my students' shoes and see things from their perspective while also fully understanding the adult perspectives of their teacher and parents. Thank you! Jodi

Weightlifting/bodybuilding, reading, traveling, movies, my dachshund