In addition to my education and administrative experience, I bring my personal passion for education and connecting with students, engaging parents, and working successfully with other educators and families, which help to make me a successful educator. The young men in our classroom ranged in age from 12 to 18 and were all from inner city neighborhoods. They called the academy their temporary home because of prior criminal offenses. I found myself working in a classroom that was very diverse: I had to learn how to work with Individual Education Plans, manage conflicts, and maintain focus in a difficult classroom. With each student at a different grade level, the curriculum had to be tailored for every individual. The one-on-one interaction needed to administer their curriculum led to improved grades and increased enthusiasm for some of the boys. I worked as a paraprofessional in a classroom for students with severe autism. The challenges that autistic students face can be unique, frustrating, and dangerous. Our limited understanding of the condition is an obstacle, but our students continue to learn when their minds are stimulated, and with confidence-building instruction. The teaching staff must always be mindful of students' individual needs, and above this, be patient. I believe it is important for an educator to have the utmost patience, especially when working with a student who has special challenges. Because effective communication is my specialty, I consistently use it as a mainstay in my approach to my work ethic. I worked as a tutor for an after-school program called College Bound for Kids for close to two years in Los Angeles, California. During this time, I met with each teacher individually and many parents to discuss their child's progress. I also took specific notes pertaining to the progress of nearly 100 students in order to ensure that the tutoring offered was providing the best help. I then relayed all feedback I received to my fellow tutoring staff, educators and families. We all worked together as a team, and as a result students excelled, parents were more aware, our staff was better prepared, and I felt like a part of that community. No other teaching experience has been as rewarding as that time in my life. During this time, my passion for working in a classroom setting was solidified. My goal is to continue going above and beyond as a Varsity Tutor.

SciFi books and movies, Art, Origami, Hip Hop history, Geometry