Learning isn't meant to be a dull process of memorizing facts and formulas to get you through the school year; it's a lifelong skill that continues to develop as we find out more about the world around us. I believe anyone can discover this appreciation for learning and use it to reach their goals.
In high school, I excelled in math, music, Spanish, science, and English. I was Vice President of Math Club, played trombone in every band group, sang low bass in choir, and participated in the theatre productions. I graduated at the top of my class and began undergraduate work at Truman State University where I studied speech-language pathology and linguistics, graduating with a 3.95 GPA. This fall, I will start my doctorate in audiology at CU Boulder. Audiology is the science and healthcare of hearing, balance, and related issues. I am excited to get started in a field that brings together hard science and interpersonal communication in a way that benefits others.
Even before I started working as a professional teacher, I was helping others meet their academic goals. I tutored beginning trombonists, and I was involved in a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in high school. As an undergraduate, I worked as an Academic Success Mentor for international students. This involved checking in on their grades each week, establishing good study habits, and ensuring a smooth transition to American culture and education system. After earning my Bachelor's, I taught reading skills for all ages. This included everything from beginning phonics with 4 year olds to increasing reading speed and comprehension for high school students and professional adults. I was hooked on teaching by then, so I earned my TEFL certificate and taught ESL in Prague, Czech Republic for 1.5 years.
While teaching, I strive to act only as a guide so that the student can come to the conclusion on his or her own. I avoid lecturing at all costs, preferring for the student to be as productive as possible. When presenting new information, I aim to engage the student first with something interesting, briefly present the ideas of the lesson, do a few quick practice exercises, then finish with a longer activity that incorporates the target point in a comprehensive way.
I am particularly passionate about language and how we use it to express everything from our basic needs to abstract philosophies. Language, like math, has a formula, and that formula has given us the most powerful tool we have. Nothing makes me happier than watching others discover that power within themselves and accomplishing more than they thought was possible.
