Taught fourth grade from 2004 to present at Lakeside Elementary, Broward County, FL. Taught fourth grade from 1997 to 2004 at Chapel Trail Elementary, Broward County, FL. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: 2006 received wireless cart training to allow my students use of a class set of laptops. 2005 trained to use the BEEP (Broward Enterprise Education Portal) website and take advantage of the sites numerous teaching and learning resources. 2004 received training in Media Resources to help students with research. 1997-2002 yearly training for FCAT Reading, Writing and Math exams and how to incorporate test preparation into the daily curriculum. 2001 training in Accelerated Reader Program (allows students to use the computer to take tests on books they’ve read and earn points). 1997-2000 ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) training PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP: 2004-present Wrote and published a workbook called Unlock the Secrets of Fourth Grade that is sold to schools in 3 counties. 2004 Co-wrote & received a Broward County Grant for our Writing: Vocabulary program. 2001-2004 Board member for the PTA and in charge of organizing dads for all PTA events. 2000-2004 Taught FCAT Reading Parent Orientation to all 4th grade parents. 2001-2002 Wrote FCAT curriculum teacher handbooks for all 4th grade teachers for Writing and incorporating FCAT Reading and FCAT social studies into all subject areas. 2000-2001 Rewrote/revised the 3rd grade curriculum for Broward County summer school. 2001 Taught FCAT Reading presentation to over 100 teachers in Broward County. 2001 Instructed teachers how to set up and use computers for the FCAT. 1999-2000 Served as grade chair. 1998 Helped to write FL Recognition Report which helped the school earn over $48,000.
Unique activities I have implemented in my nine years of teaching 4th grade: Developed Parent Communication Program which included a (1) class website containing all important dates, class mission, homework assignments, and supply list, (2) daily agendas listing all upcoming assignments and open written dialogue between parent and teacher, and (3) Friday Folders including 100% of all graded work. Wrote supplemental writing curriculum for the 4th grade level to help in preparation for the FCAT. Curriculum is used yearly for class assignments, and includes a weekly writing seminar, an after school free tutoring program and one parent night for writing. I utilize a Money System for classroom management in which students earn or lose money based on academics and behavior. It provides the students with a clear focus of what is expected, and encourages responsibility to follow rules/directions, study for tests and make decisions to earn additional class money when they desire or need more. Students are highly motivated to earn class money to use at class auctions held every quarter. I created and implement a 10 week math program at the end of every year centering around the life skill of banking. Students receive their own checkbook, checks, and deposit tickets, and incorporate their math skills as well as responsibility to keep a balanced checkbook. During this program they also learn about the stock market and each student purchases one stock in hopes of adding its increased value to their bank accounts.
I am a published author for a fourth grade workbook
Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
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