Rebecca Kossman

(267)994-5555 / rkossman@brandeis.edu / 23 Highland Street / Waltham MA 02453

EDUCATION Brandeis University, Waltham, MA Anticipated Graduation May 2014 B.A. in Near Eastern Judaic Studies, GPA:3.5 Minor: Elementary Education Certification Program Anticipated Initial License upon graduation MTELs required for certification: Passed Preschool and Infant/Toddler Teacher Certification from The Department of Early Education and Care Certificate number: 9638426 STUDENT TEACHING AND OTHER EDUCATION PROGRAM PRACTICUMS Lincoln Eliot Elementary-Newton, MA Fall 2013, Spring 2014 nd 2 Grade Student Teaching Internship Observed and slowly became incorporated into the classroom so as to be fully immersed second semester Gradually became responsible for aspects of the classroom such as a guided reading group, math instruction, and transitions Prepared for a full takeover week which will take place in March Whittemore Elementary-Waltham, MA :4th grade ELL classroom Spring 2013 ED 175a The Teaching of English Language Learners Observed Sheltered English Instruction techniques Worked one-on-one with students during writing workshop Gained SEI endorsement Stanley Elementary-Waltham, MA: 1st grade Spring 2012 ED 107 - Teaching and Learning Reading in Elementary and Preschool Observed guided reading groups led by head teacher Worked one-on-one with students during independent reading and guided reading groups Burr Elementary-Newton, MA: 2nd grade Fall 2011 ED 100a - Exploring Teaching (Elementary and Preschool) Observed general classroom elements and teaching strategies Worked one-on-one with students: particularly a focal child RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Boston Area Jewish Education Program, Waltham, MA Jan 2011-Present Classroom Teacher(grades 3 and 5), Dance Instructor(grades 1-6), and Private Tutor(grades 4-5) Planned grade appropriate lessons incorporating Jewish values in an engaging way Adapted lessons and activities to fit the variety of learning styles of students Created a classroom community for students to learn about their Jewish heritage while also making connections with their peers Lemberg Childrens Center, Waltham MA Teaching Assistant 8-14 hours a week Engaged with preschool children in small group activities Fostered play and thoughtful conversation between children Sep 2010-Dec 2013

Carried out activities planned both by head teachers and myself

Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Lakewood, PA Rosh Edah (Unit Head) Jun-Aug 2013 Supervised eight bunk counselors: giving them the necessary skills and guidance to be successful caretakers, problem solvers, and activity planners Managed an edah (unit) of 3rd and 4th graders: ensuring their safety, happiness, and exposure to Jewish traditions and values Worked as a team member along with the other six unit heads, program director, assistant director, and director to ensure a well-organized summer that accomplished our goals as an educational Jewish summer camp Israeli Dance Instructor and Daber Fellow Coordinator Jun-Aug 2012 Stimulated excitement and participation in Israeli dance: a core part of the Jewish cultural education at Camp Ramah Guided bunk counselors in incorporating the Daber Program: a Hebrew initiative program through National Ramah which encourages a more avid use of Hebrew in programming and everyday conversation with campers Bunk Counselor for Grades 4-7 Jun-Aug 2009-2011 Collaborated with a team of counselors in unit to plan programs incorporating Jewish values, teamwork skills, and friendship building Cared for children in all aspects of their life during the summer including hygiene, peer mediation, participation in activities, and their overall well-being and happiness LEADERSHIP and ACTIVITIES at BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY, Waltham, MA Intern for Koach Sep 2012-May 2013 Received funding from the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism to plan programs that engaged Conservative Jewish students Gabbi of the Traditional Egalitarian Minyan January 2011-December 2012 Coordinated egalitarian religious services on a weekly basis Communicated with other service leaders on campus and Hillel staff Byachad September 2010-present Brandeiss Semi-Professional Israeli Dance Troupe Junior Brandeis Achievers Sep 2010-May 2011 Planned once a week after school programs for Waltham elementary school children LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ABROAD Jewish National Fund and Ramah Alternative Winter Break Jan 2012 Volunteered in Israel for ten days Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel Sep 2009-May 2010 Lived in Israel for nine months before starting at Brandeis University Studied Hebrew, traveled, participated in leadership seminars, and volunteered in schools