Yes, there are teachers out there who are still striving to help our students succeed and reach their potential. I am proud and more determined than ever to be one of them.Despite the hardships schools and communities are facing in our current political and economic environment, I still work every day to improve students' literacy and creativity. I teach 8th grade English/Language Arts at Heritage Middle School in Liberty, Missouri.Positions Held:Introduction to Broadcasting Instructor (July 2000- May 2008, August 2015-May 2016) -students produced and edited their own television newsmagazine -was available online and over the local cable channel. Journalism/Newspaper Advisor and Instructor (July 2000-May 2002)-Students produced a newspaper, The Blue Jay Banner, printed 5 times a year. 8th grade Applied Communications and 9th grade Speech (July 2000-May 2002, July 2008-May 2009)- taught students the basics of interviewing, debate, forensics and public speaking.9th grade Communication Arts Teacher (July 2002- 2013)- literature and composition course focusing on works like Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Odyssey, and other works of both fiction and non-fiction. 21st Century Computing Teacher (2014-15)Experience with:RTI (Response to Intervention)Standards-Based GradingCollaborative TeachingSAMR Model and 4Cs (Instructional and Tech Coaching)Common Core Initiative (piloting and writing curriculum)Piloting One to One technology (w/Macbook Airs at 9th grade level)Mac and PC editing (photo and video)Google Drive, Sites, Apps for Education, ClassroomiMovieMicrosoft OfficeAdobe Pro/ElementsMoviemakerPowerschoolI am currently Lifetime Certified in Missouri to teach:5-12th grade Language Arts (Communication Arts/English),9-12th grade Social Studies/History,5-12th grade Speech/Theatre/JournalismPre-Advanced Placement certified English/Language Arts teacher (College Board)Member of NEA and MNEA education unions