Jessika O'Sullivan

WORK HISTORY Outschool - Online Educator Remote • 03/2016 - Current • Developed creative writing classes that helped and inspired students from all over the world. • Taught subjects as varied as creative writing, The Holocaust, folklore, novel studies, and world religions. • Communicated frequently with parents and students to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies. • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged. • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities. • Worked closely with individual students to help them develop their writing skills. • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs. • Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work. • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs. Tingergarten - Tinkergarten Leader NY • 09/2015 - 06/2017 • Worked with preschool-aged children in an "outdoor classroom" to develop life skills, social interaction, and imagination. • Lead play-based activities to engage children in age-appropriate learning. AutoGrow.com - Content Writer NY • 10/2015 - 05/2016 • Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with an exciting, captivating, and authentic approach. • Completed thorough research into assigned topics. • Collaborated with a team of writers and content marketing strategists to create copy-promoting clients' SEO, sales, and thought-leadership goals. • Coordinated with subject matter experts for interviews and topic generation. • Managed competing deadlines with efficiency. • Produced original, creative content for promotional advertisements and marketing materials. Västervik Gymnasium-Västervik High School - High School Teacher Västervik, Sweden • 08/2002 - 08/2004 • Created engaging lesson plans, fostered a culture of discovery, and provided a well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in the program. • Evaluated students' academic and social growth, kept appropriate records and prepared progress reports to gauge performance. • Inspired academic success based on the belief that all students can achieve excellence, regardless of background. • Fostered positive and pleasant classroom culture while maintaining learning development goals. • Educated students regarding national and global social issues and influencing factors. • Maintained awareness of relevant current events and quickly incorporated study into the curriculum. Trelleborg Kommun, Sweden - Elementary School Teacher Trelleborg, Sweden • 08/2001 - 06/2002 • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff. • Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using various teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within the assigned grade levels. • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives. • Provided a warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth. • Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.

I believe in creating connections with my students and keeping my teaching age appropriate. My teaching will challenge my students but never let them fail or feel like they are failing. Patience, silliness, and kindness go a long way. As a teacher, I must develop critical thinking in my students through many different activities, including research and discussions. If I can include a play component in my teaching, I do that. Everyone, no matter their age, has a playful streak. When I teach creative writing, I always encourage my students to use their experiences and thoughts as a base for their writing to make it unique.

Three awards in Writer's Digest's annual writing competition

Master of Education at Lund University/Malmo University in Sweden

I am an immigrant from Sweden who now lives outside New York City. I have worked with children, teenagers, and adults since I was a teenager. I am passionate about teaching and empowering my students. I write in both Swedish and English. I have dysgraphia and can sympathize with students who struggle academically.