"I am always impressed with the level of professionalism that Elizabeth exhibits in all situations, her extensive knowledge in curriculum, and differentiated instruction and a willing heart and passion to support teachers and students," said Sally Riche, special education coordinator for McKinney ISD, an exemplary school district in Texas. Presently co-teaching English 1 at University High School in Orange City, my goal is to provide rigor and relevance while addressing all learning styles to help students obtain the skills necessary to succeed in college and to achieve lifelong success in the "real" world. Providing rigor and relevance as I address all learning styles to help students achieve lifelong success in the “real” world has been my ambition throughout my # as an educator.
During the previous school year, I implemented strategies to help Geometry students at Mainland High School as a special education support facilitator. Mainland Geometry Teacher Kevin Fishback stated, "Her combination of mathematical knowledge and her knowledge of addressing the different learning styles of our students, behooved the students and me. One way she did this was by helping me implement different activities in the classroom to engage not only the ESE students but all of our students. Also, her desire to see all of our students succeed was extremely impressive and inspiring." In addition to helping students in the classroom, I spent my 30 minutes lunch time nearly every day tutoring students. As a result, not only did I help 9th and 10th grade Geometry students pass the class, but I helped a senior pass the class enabling her to graduate.
In helping to administer programs side by side with the bilingual instructional specialist, I collaborated with both # and regular education teachers. "Elizabeth collaborates with classroom teachers to improve student performance. She continuously strives to do her best and assists her cadre of Special Education teachers in providing high quality instruction for all students," said Stella Uribe, director of bilingual/ESL services for McKinney ISD. My experience prior to moving back to Florida included four years as a special education instructional specialist (actively part of the district special populations administration) in coordination with district subject area coordinators).
As instructional specialist not only did I demonstrate success in helping students in all core subjects ( a total of 11 middle # and high schools) but I also worked effectively with a range of individuals and groups including parents, teachers and campus administrators. One campus administrator commented, “Elizabeth has a great rapport with the staff and our students. She has strong communication skills and is a hard worker. She accomplishes her tasks with great initiative and with a very positive attitude. “Special Education Co-Teacher Mary Lewis said, “I have worked with Elizabeth since she came on board with MISD in the fall of 2007. I have observed her working not only with fellow educators but interacting with students when she made "walk through" visits. Elizabeth provided positive and constructive input when giving both oral and written feedback."
Providing rigor and relevance to help students become successful in college and in the global # will continue to be my goal as I implement the Charlotte Danielson Framework for Teaching (emphasizing the power components). Within the framework, I will continue to look for new strategies and techniques to address all student learning styles in the classroom.