Matthew Smith

| MrSmit12@gmail.com

Objective
To obtain a full time position as a secondary ELA teacher who can offer engaging and rigorous lessons that are aligned with the New York State Common Core Standards.

Education
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY 2008-2013, M.S. DEGREE TO BE AWARDED IN AUGUST, 2013 Deans list 2008-2013. Undergraduate GPA: 3.6; Graduate GPA: 3.938 Major: English Education five year preparation program 7-12 Related coursework: Issues: Educating English Language Learners Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs John Milton and the English Revolution Poetry: Exploring Shakespeare Graphic Novels and Literacy: An Independent Study

Experience
WRITING TUTOR | FAMILY IN SYRACUSE, NY | MARCH 2013-PRESENT Mentored and displayed proper use of academic language in English for a student transitioning from Germany. Modeled and guided student through the essay format, the proper use of punctuation in writing, and the use of literary devices like puns and alliteration. Through the tutoring, this student has achieved much higher grades and his grasp on the writing of English has improved dramatically. READING TUTOR | FAMILY IN SYRACUSE, NY | APRIL 2013-PRESENT Prepared and organized lessons to help a student with reading. Focused on teaching fix-up strategies like rereading and making predictions. The student now has a plan to follow when confused during reading. ELA STUDENT TEACHER | INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SYRACUSE, NY | AUGUST 2012-NOVEMBER 2012 Completed an eleven week English teaching placement with ELA 11th and 12th grade students. Subjects taught include Journalism, Writing for the Environment, and 11th grade Regents preparation. Given nearly full responsibility of conducting the classroom including lesson design, assessment of student work, and classroom management. ELA PART TIME STUDENT TEACHER | FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS HIGH SCHOOL SYRACUSE, NY | FEBRUARY 2012APRIL 2012 Taught Romeo and Juliet to a ninth grade class. Focused on literacy skills, reading comprehension, writing for specific audiences, and analysis of classic novels. Students performed scenes with a modern interpretation. WEBSITE DESIGN | DAVERSA PRODUCTIONS | JUNE 2012-AUGUST 2012 Designed and created a website for a wedding videographer. The technical skills from this work translate well to a classroom setting because including technology in the classroom is one way to enhance student learning. SUPERVISOR AT SLOCUM CAF | SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY | FEBRUARY 2009-MAY 2013 Student supervisor at campus cafe with responsibilities ranging from directing student employees, running the cash register, food preparation, and customer service.