It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
-Albert Einstein
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
-Psalm 32:8
One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.
-Maylala Yousafzai
I am ALWAYS doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.
-Vincent Van Gogh
Resume
I have cherished the past several years impacting the lives of children and families. For the last three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a leadership role at ASPIRE Academy, supporting not only students but also guiding and positively influencing teachers. I’m excited to continue expanding the ways I can make a meaningful difference, and it is an honor to be part of an organization where serving others and the Lord is at the heart of the mission.
Experience
Vice Principal/Teacher
ASPIRE Academy
2020-Present
Elementary Teacher
Greater Lansing Adventist School
1999-2020
Education
M.A. Curriculum & Instruction
Andrews University
2000-2005
B.A. Elementary Education
Michigan State University
1990-1993
Volunteer Experience
Sabbath School Teacher
Lansing SDA Church
2010-Present
Co-Leader Social Committee
Lansing SDA Church
2012-2016
Skills
Organized
Leadership
Communicative
Empathetic
Collaborative
References
Chad Bernard
Youth Director, Michigan Conference of SDA
517-927-9115
Ben Zork
Principal ASPIRE Academy
269-277-4394
Distance Learning
As I was thinking about how to approach distance learning, I knew I wanted to accommodate parents that were working from home, make my program user friendly, and first and foremost continue a quality educational program. I decided to have 2 Zoom meetings per day as well as make YouTube videos for our core subjects including Language Arts, Math, and Science. Since I have 3 grade levels and my students are kindergarten through 2nd grade, the videos were a logical choice to deliver all the content at each grade level. YouTube is user friendly and students could watch the videos and do their assignments anytime throughout the day.
I also wanted to connect with my students and provide an opportunity for students to connect with each other. So, each morning we began the day with a Zoom meeting. This is when we would have Bible class together and after prayer the students would have an opportunity to share with the class what was happening in their lives. We would also have an afternoon Zoom meeting that was optional. We would have a read aloud, draw together, or exercise together.
I was available throughout the day for communication with parents or students. I received positive feedback from parents about the structure and flexibility.
To keep parents and students accountable, I made a Google Form with an agenda for each grade level that I emailed to parents at the beginning of the week. Parents were to fill out the agenda and send it back to me at the end of the week.
You are welcome to click on examples of my YouTube Video Lessons and the Google Form Agenda below. I also included a picture of one of our Zoom morning meetings.
Distance Learning gave me the opportunity as an educator to think outside the box and explore different ways to teach and connect with my students.
