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"I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that didn't work." - Thomas Edison

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Student Teaching Photos








                               





                                     












Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Bonnie MacNeil's Cover Letter



Bonnie MacNeil


2001 South Mopac #1022, Austin, TX 78746 | (832) 298-8665 | bonniemacneil54@gmail.com


To Whom it May Concern:


I was fortunate enough to work alongside a 5th grade teacher at Lake Pointe Elementary during my student teaching.  This experience opened up many doors for me.  I worked with my cooperating teacher, the 5th grade team, teachers in different grade levels, and the administrative staff.   


During my internship at Lake Pointe Elementary I participated in all areas allowed for me.  I created a school wide learning opportunity that was in Lake Pointe Elementary campus improvement plan.  This was called the Word of the Week.  I used the scope and sequence in science and math to correlate the vocabulary words with the 5th grade TEKS.  I put up 17 posters around the school, and changed them out each week.  I also created short videos with students talking about what the vocabulary words and played them on broadcast. 


 I was involved in Character Camp.  I taught 5th grade students about trustworthiness.  This was a half-day event in which the students would move from room to room to hear from different parents and volunteers. 


Another area I participated in was the science fair.  I organized and set up the gym for the 5th grade students and for students in other grades who participated.  I greeted the judges, and led the grade levels through the gym on the day 5th grade presented.  


I assisted in many other areas around the school.  I learned that teaching isn’t just about creating lessons for the students but participating in all areas around the school whether it be a geography bee, or just extra library assistance.   This is what helps the school run.   


I am passionate about teaching.  I love the “A-HA moment” when the student connects what you have been teaching to real life and truly comprehends.  I am a nurturer.  I believe it is important to show this to the students.  It is much easier for the students to comfortable learn when they feel cared about.   I am a team player.  It is important to work together with staff around the school and your team.   I am a listener.  I learned through my internship that the students need someone to talk to.  It is important to talk to the students and learn about each individuals learning styles to be an effective teacher. 


For the reasons I have listed, I believe that I will be a highly effective teacher.  I ensure that I will give all my effort to be the most productive teacher.


Sincerely,

Bonnie MacNeil

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Bonnie MacNeil's Resume


Bonnie E. MacNeil
2001 South Mopac #1022 • Austin, Texas 78746 • (832) 298-8665 • bonniemacneil54@gmail.com

Objective                                                                                            

Seeking Elementary teaching position.  My passion is teaching science and social studies.

Education                                                                                           

Texas State University, San Marcos, TX                                                                           Graduation December 2013
                Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
                Certified ESL/Generalist EC-6
               

Classroom Experience                                                                      

  
Substitute—Lake Travis, TX                                                                                              Spring 2014
                Lake Travis Independent School District
·         Familiarity with all subjects of instruction required
·         Ability to work with lesson plans provided by primary teacher
·         Versatility in methods of instruction and ability to adapt quickly
Extended Care—Lake Travis, TX                                                                                      Spring 2014
                Lake Travis Independent School District
·         Supervise students after school during outdoor and indoor activities
·         Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities
·         Guide students to complete academic work
Texas State College of Education- Professional Development Sequence
Lake Pointe Elementary– Lake Travis, TX                                                                        Fall 2013
Student Teaching, 5th Grade Science and Social Studies
·         Developed and implemented engaging, effective lessons for a heterogeneous group of students, eventually total teaching the class
·         Worked collaboratively with other teachers and professionals to create effective lessons that met the learning needs and abilities of all students
·         Managed student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook
·         Attended parent conferences, faculty and team meetings, and professional development days
·         Actively participated in activities which included: Word of the Week, math tutorials, Kidbuilderz, library assistance, and ropes course
Negley Elementary – Kyle, TX                                                                                             Spring 2013
Field Block, 1st grade
·         Prepared and set up multiple, meaningful hands-on lessons
·         Graded assignments to better understand the areas in which the students needed extra assistance
·         Assessed students understanding through formative and summative methods which include: conversations, observations, students work, and formal assessments
Hernandez Elementary- San Marcos, TX                                                                          Fall 2012
                Early Childhood Education Block, Pre-K
·         Observed various teaching styles and classroom environments
·         Assisted teacher in: setting up and preparing lessons, making copies and gathering materials
·         Worked on building numerous center ideas that would promote fine motor skills, writing, and artistic techniques

Skills_________________________________________________



Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and SMART technology


Excellent verbal and written communication skills


Nurturing teaching style


References                                                                                         



Mary Carnes                                                         Work:  (512) 553- 5530


Cooperating Teacher                                               Email: mcarnes@ltisdschools.org


5th Grade


Lake Pointe Elementary




Kathy Balcer, M.Ed.                                             Cell: (512) 589- 4883


Student Teaching Supervisor                                  Email: mb76@txstate.edu


Texas State University




Bobby Norwood                                                   


Professor—Special Education                                 Email: bn16@txstate.edu


Texas State University




Monday, May 5, 2014

Technology

Technology I use in the classroom:

Schoology

SMART technology

GoNoodle

Class Dojo

Animoto

Glogster

StemScopes

Remind 101



Friday, May 2, 2014

How do you handle discipline in your classroom?


Students readily accept the idea of having a set of uniform classroom procedures because it simplifies the task of succeeding in school.  Effective teachers know learning cannot take place when you discipline.  The more time the students spend on task, academic learning time, the more the student learns and the less discipline takes place.  However, it is important to have a plan incase the students continue to misbehave.  I will have a conduct book to keep track of student behavior problems, as well as using class dojo to keep the parents informed on the students behavior.  When procedures are constantly being reinforced and practiced, it leaves less time for the students to misbehave. 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher.

There are many skills that are important to be an outstanding teacher.  Some of the most important qualities are passion, content knowledge, classroom management, and leadership. 

In order to be an outstanding and effective teacher, it is important to love to teach and show the love daily. Teaching is a joy.  I love to watch students grow as individuals, and together as a class.  Teaching is my passion. 

It is necessary for the teacher to communicate the content knowledge in a way for all the students to understand.  The teacher needs to differentiate the instruction and delivery in order for the content to be beneficial for every student. 

The effective classroom teacher uses classroom management techniques to provide a controlled, safe environment with an emphasis on production.  It is important to have instructional procedures, as well as organizational procedures for a smooth running classroom.  When you have a instructional procedures you can better engage all students into the lesson so each individual feels apart of the classroom community. 

An outstanding teacher has the ability to influence students in school as well as the community.  The teacher is not only a leader but a listener.  It is important for the teacher to demonstrate leadership skills when the students seek guidance.

How would you address a wide range of skills in your classroom?

I would address a wide range of skills in my classroom by differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all my students.  I will vary my instruction using whole group learning, small groups, pairs, and individual work.  This technique will foster learning to my students in multiple ways.  They not only learn from their teacher, but they will learn from their peers, as well.  I will encourage my students to ask questions, participate in discussion as well as group activities.  In addition, I believe it is important to provide one-on-one instruction in order to truly know the needs of my students and to better understand the most beneficial way to teach them.