My Future Career: Teaching
After nearly two decades in the technical writing business, I've decided to take the plunge into a new career that will make a worthwhile contribution to society. Thanks to the exceptional Teacher Licensure Program at the University of Richmond, I have attained a Virginia teacher's license and will be teaching at Skipwith Elementary School starting in the fall of 2008.
I look forward to teaching in the elementary grades because I enjoy and work well with the energy and enthusiasm of younger children. I also have an endorsement in middle school social studies, and I will look for every opportunity to integrate social studies topics into every subject I teach.
Listed below are the courses I took at Richmond, along with my grades and some samples of my coursework. The samples are in PDF format.
EDUC 310U: Curriculum Methods
This
comprehensive course discussed subjects such as
principles of learning, selection and use of materials,
state and national curriculum standards, and evaluation
of student performance.
» Sample of my work
from this class: field trip unit plan
EDUC 317U: Introductory Seminar
Critical
issues in education were discussed and examined during
the course of this class. Topics included orientation
to the profession, child development, teaching diverse
learners, and legal issues.
» Sample of my work
from this class: issue analysis paper
EDUC 318U: Seminar in Special Education
This
course approached
the issues, practices, and laws influencing special
education and describes the characteristics and
needs of children with disabilities.
» Sample of my work
from this class: referral letter for fictional student
EDUC 324U: The Teaching of Reading
This
course examined the developmental nature of language
and reading ability and the keys to literacy development.
The methods and materials associated with reading
instruction were key topics here.
» Sample of my work from
this class: literature unit plan
EDUC 327U: The Teaching of Mathematics
This
course covered
the strategies and methodologies of teaching elementary
mathematics, including problem solving, manipulatives,
and learning theories.
» Sample of my work
from this class: math lesson plan
EDUC 338U: Instructional Technology Integration
The
purpose of this hands-on course was to learn how
to integrate common and practical instructional technologies
within the learning environment and across the curriculum.
» Sample of
my work from this class: web resources project
EDUC 358U: Classroom Management
This
course discussed
the behavioral principles of procedures for reducing
classroom problems, increasing motivation, and strengthening
desired classroom behavior.
» Sample of my work
from this class: classroom management plan
EDUC 475U: Student Teaching, Elementary
This "course" consisted of direct contact with students in a classroom on a full-time basis for 15 weeks (eight weeks in second grade, seven in fifth grade) under the direction of a cooperating teacher and a University supervisor.
EDUC 485U: Student Teaching Seminar
This weekly seminar for student teachers provided a forum for discussion and examination of critical issues related to students' teaching responsibilities and competence.
» Sample of my work
from this class: coming soon