Perri Devon-Sand

I started my teaching career 15 years ago when I was fortunate to land a great teaching assistant job in Chicago before moving to New York City to pursue my Master's Degree in the Teaching of Social Studies at Columbia University. I worked in the New York City public schools for a few years before moving to the American School Foundation of Mexico City where I taught history, philosophy, and ran their Model United Nations program. I am now currently Ethnic Studies, World History, and Advisory at an awesome public school in the Bay Area, California.

I am both highly organized and intentional when creating my units. I backwards plan for both content and skill sets, ensuring that all lessons provide students with an opportunity to practice their literacy skills through structured annotation and writing strategies workshops and/or group work skills like structured student talk routines to prepare for Socratic Seminars, "checks for understanding" to prepare for papers and presentations, and lots of opportunity to discuss the content with partners before sharing in front of the class. Most of my units start with front loading vocabulary and direct instruction on content. The rest of the unit allows students to work through the content on their own, in partners, groups, and in the full class.

Columbia University Teachers College, New York, NY 2010-2011 Masters in the Art of Teaching Social Studies Graduated with Honors University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 2003-2007 BA Psychology, Minor in Spanish