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• EDUC 101. Social Foundations of American Education: A Current Issues Approach
• EDS 493. Internship in Educational Studies
• EDS 499. Senior Seminar: Professional and Social Responsibility
•Ph.D. (in progress), Organizational Leadership, Columbia International University, Dissertation Title: A Phenomenological Study of New York State Middle School Teachers’ Perceptions on Administrative Exemplary Leadership Practices Influencing Teacher Attrition
• M.S.Ed., Special Education, Niagara University
• B.S.Ed., Childhood Education and Special Education, SUNY Geneseo
• 2015 – 2022: Elementary Teacher (General Education and Special Education)
o Arkport Central School
o Alfred-Almond Elementary School
• 2022 – 2024: Assistant Director, Center for Academic Success (Disability Services and Academic Support)
o Alfred University
• 2024 – Present: Adjunct Professor (Special Education and Literacy)
o Alfred University
• 2024 – Present: Instructor, School of Education
o St. Bonaventure University
Rapport: I view rapport building as the most important aspect of teaching. Before any learning can take place in a classroom, students need to feel comfortable, supported, and welcomed. In my opinion, the strongest indicator of an effective classroom atmosphere is the rapport that teachers build with their students. Getting to know students' learning styles, interests, needs, and backgrounds helps teachers build a classroom where students feel valued and get excited about learning. It also helps to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect in which students adhere to the procedures and routines put in place, thus creating a greater opportunity for students to learn.
Student-Centered Learning: Teachers should encourage students to learn through exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration. An effective learning environment is one that is student-centered and in which students are comfortable making mistakes and learning through trial and error. Students should engage in hands-on learning with content that is practical and meaningful, relating to real-world scenarios and connecting to other fields of study. Students should have opportunities to seek answers to their own questions and guide their own learning.
Differentiation: All students are capable of learning and should be provided with appropriate supports which allow them to thrive. Classrooms are comprised of a wide variety of learners who are at various levels of understanding. A one-size fits all model will not reach all students. Instruction must be differentiated to tailor to the needs of all students. Lessons should be designed to meet students where they are currently and challenge them so that they can grow. Teachers should help students discover and reach their fullest potential, regardless of how that compares to others. It is important to realize that students have an array of learning styles and paces at which they will learn, so lessons need to be flexible and adapt to the constantly-changing student population.