TEL 311 Signature Assignment Biography

I. Teaching History
A. Education History
1. College Degree
a) Secondary Education Certificate from Arizona State University,
Tempe, AZ - 2021
b) B.S. Biological Sciences from Arizona State University, Tempe,
AZ - 2015
2. Previous work history
a) 9th grade Biology Teacher and 10th grade Chemistry Teacher at
Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, AZ - 3 years
b) 9th grade Biology Student Teacher at Saguaro High School,
Scottsdale, AZ - 6 months
c) Teacher intern with Phoenix Union High School District, Phoenix,
AZ - 6 months
d) Staff Manager, Program Director, Camp Counselor & Riding
Instructor at Black River Farm & Ranch - 8 years
B. Current position
1. Position: 9th grade Biology (including honors courses), 10th grade
Chemistry, AP Anatomy & Physiology Teacher at Camelback High
School - 2 years
2. Extracurricular positions: outdoor adventure club leader, humane society
club coordinator, and equestrian club coach
II. Philosophy of Education
A. Purpose of Education: to help students grow and develop and to give all students
the tools to be successful in life beyond the classroom
B. Roles within Education
1. Teacher: to exceed standards, successfully teach their specific content
area, and to foster an inclusive learning environment that engages students
and prepares them to be productive members of society
2. Student: to be an active participant in the classroom and to help create a
culture of learning and inclusivity alongside their peers and the teacher
3. Community: to support schools, teachers, and students and provide the
resources necessary for teachers to help increase student achievement and
success
III. Belief concerning Problem-based learning and/or technology integration
A. Instructional strategy within use: utilizing a variety of learning strategies,
including problem-based learning, is incredibly important as they help students
 make meaningful conceptual connections. The student centric approach to
problem-based learning makes it more enjoyable for students and increases
understanding. It encourages students to work together to find real life solutions
rather than work towards comprehending difficult abstract concepts. PBL can be
challenging if there are group dynamic issues and PBL can require more prep
time for teachers (Guido, 2016). Integrating technology in the classroom is also
necessary for student success. Using technology keeps students involved and
prepares them for the future and life outside of the classroom. However, it is also
important for students to be able to learn independently of technology.
B. Student engagement
1. Active learning: provides students the opportunity to engage in their own
learning. It utilizes different modalities such as movement, discussion, and
reflection (Casale-Giannola & Green, 2012). It requires students to take
initiative. If properly supported by the teacher, active learning is fun and
engaging.
2. Cultural inclusion: an inclusive classroom environment is vital for student
success. In an inclusive environment, both students and teachers
recognize, appreciate, and capitalize on diversity in order to enhance the
learning experience (Woods & Barker, 2004).

References

Casale-Giannola & Green (2012) - ​Inclusion at the Secondary Level. ​41 Active Learning
Strategies, Grades 6-12,​ Chapter 1. Corwin. Thousand Oaks, CA.
Guido, M. (2016, December 14). 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem-Based
Learning [ Activity Design Steps]. Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/advantages-disadvantages-problem-based-l
earning/
Problem-Based Learning (PBL). (n.d.). Retrieved September 05, 2020, from
https://citl.illinois.edu/citl-101/teaching-learning/resources/teaching-strategies/problem-b
ased-learning-(pbl)
Woods, P. R., Barker, M. C., & Daly, A. (2004). Teaching intercultural skills in the multicultural

classroom. Paper presented at the 4th Annual International Conference on Business,

Honolulu, June 21-24.