Closing the ESOL Gap

• Twenty plus years of successful teaching experience involving diverse groups of subjects and students, in particular ESOL students. • Enthusiastic educator with a passionate commitment to student development and the learning experience. • Skilled in the design and development of challenging, enriching, and innovative activities that address the diverse interests and needs of students, specifically language needs. • Outstanding communication skills in presenting information in a variety of formats. Emphasizes relevance of class material to the world beyond the classroom. • Active team member who effectively collaborates with all levels of educational staff and establishes quality relationships with students.

Utilizing several different researched-based teaching methodologies, I have successfully • Increased reading levels by strategically devoting additional time on Reading and Language Arts within the classroom; effectively altering and modifying lessons to accommodate different language levels. • Motivated students to take charge of their own learning and set their own goals. Documented progress, enhancing student improvement in both understanding and performance. • Maintained effective behavioral management within the classroom by incorporating motivational activities and positive reinforcement strategies. • Provided supplemental in-class and cooperative ESL support to ELL students developing and implementing diverse curriculum to effectively meet the needs of each student’s learning style and ability. • Focused on ‘closing the gap’ between the range of English language ability and the FSA expectations of all students by incorporating higher level questions that mimic those expected to be achieved according to those on the FSA in both reading and writing. • Used an array of research-based strategies and technologies to reduce this gap and improve both conversational and formal English literacy skills.

• Excellence in Teaching Award (2004, 2005) • Teacher of the Year Nominee (1997, 1998, 1999) • Graduated Cum Laude, University of South Florida (1995) • Dean’s List, College of Education, University of South Florida (1995), Argosy University (2003, 2007) Certifications Florida Teacher’s Professional Education Certification K-12 Biology 9-12 Physical Education K-12 Special Education K-12 Health Education K-12 E.S.O.L 9-12

Education Ed. Specialist Degree- Instructional Leadership-Argosy University-Sarasota, Fl (2007)-3.8 Master’s Degree- Curriculum and Instruction- Argosy University- Sarasota, Fl (2003)-3.9 B.S. Degree-Behavior Disorders-University of South Florida-Tampa, Fl (1994)-3.8

Experience in Curriculum • Curriculum Design and Development • Authentic Learning and Assessment • Whole Group Learning • Hands On Labs/ learning • Advanced Computer Expertise • Differentiated Instruction/ Modification to curriculum/ Adaptation to student needs • Cooperative Learning • Student Motivation • Interactive Learning • Multiple Intelligences • Multicultural Awareness • Student-Centered Learning