Professional Experience
Kimberley Independent School - August 2012- June 2013
Educational Assistant (Grade 1-2)
After I obtained my Bachelor Degree I ventured back to my hometown and became an Educational Assistant at Kimberley Independent School working in a Grade 1-2 class. My main roles were to teach a loving six-year-old boy who had been recently diagnosed with Autism, and to care for a beautiful-spirited, young girl who lives with Type I Diabetes. I became educated on both severe conditions with paediatric nurses and through a "Reference and Regulate" seminar with Behaviour Consultant and Program Creator David Loyst. I was passionate and determined to make a difference in these two precious students’ lives and I felt a strong sense of commitment and responsibility when taking on this significant role. With open communication between my partner-teacher, the school principal, the parents of these two incredible students, and myself- both students were able to be happy, healthy and successful in an environment that they could actively learn in over the course of the school year. I was inspired, motivated and impacted by both students’ progresses and accomplishments and I truly feel as though this invaluable experience shaped my ideas of teaching and exceptionalities. Margaret Wheatley (2002) also expresses the feeling of a sacred experience when she writes, “Its how I feel when I am open to life. Or am opened by life”, which resonates with me as I reflect on this learning experience. I was not only able to help and teach them to facilitate learning for their specific circumstances, but they also taught me new and beautiful perspectives about themselves and the world that I would have never noticed before understanding life through their eyes. They also taught me to be grateful for my health each day, as well as about courage, strength and perseverance, which I will always value and hold close to my heart.
Teacher and Creator of small Spanish Program (PreK-Grade 9)
During this experience I was fortunate enough to be able to teach a small Spanish class that focused on learning the language through fun and interactive games and activities to develop oral and written expression, as well as listening and reading comprehension.
Qualifications obtained while working at KIS:
Educational Assistant (Grade 1-2)
After I obtained my Bachelor Degree I ventured back to my hometown and became an Educational Assistant at Kimberley Independent School working in a Grade 1-2 class. My main roles were to teach a loving six-year-old boy who had been recently diagnosed with Autism, and to care for a beautiful-spirited, young girl who lives with Type I Diabetes. I became educated on both severe conditions with paediatric nurses and through a "Reference and Regulate" seminar with Behaviour Consultant and Program Creator David Loyst. I was passionate and determined to make a difference in these two precious students’ lives and I felt a strong sense of commitment and responsibility when taking on this significant role. With open communication between my partner-teacher, the school principal, the parents of these two incredible students, and myself- both students were able to be happy, healthy and successful in an environment that they could actively learn in over the course of the school year. I was inspired, motivated and impacted by both students’ progresses and accomplishments and I truly feel as though this invaluable experience shaped my ideas of teaching and exceptionalities. Margaret Wheatley (2002) also expresses the feeling of a sacred experience when she writes, “Its how I feel when I am open to life. Or am opened by life”, which resonates with me as I reflect on this learning experience. I was not only able to help and teach them to facilitate learning for their specific circumstances, but they also taught me new and beautiful perspectives about themselves and the world that I would have never noticed before understanding life through their eyes. They also taught me to be grateful for my health each day, as well as about courage, strength and perseverance, which I will always value and hold close to my heart.
Teacher and Creator of small Spanish Program (PreK-Grade 9)
During this experience I was fortunate enough to be able to teach a small Spanish class that focused on learning the language through fun and interactive games and activities to develop oral and written expression, as well as listening and reading comprehension.
Qualifications obtained while working at KIS:
- Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR- Expires June 30, 2015.
- "Reference and Regulate" Autism seminar training.
- Professional Development workshops.
- Paediatric training to monitor and treat blood glucose levels and food consumption, carbohydrate ratios, and administering insulin.
English as a Second Language Teacher - 2010
Seville, Spain
Seville, Spain
- Created and successfully implemented active lesson plans for students between the ages of 5-8 and 10-12.
- Used assistive technology to support student learning.
- Implemented behavior plans as directed by the parents and motivated and encouraged students to participate in learning activities.
- Observed and reported student behavior and progress.