English is my first language, and I have an intermediate command of French. For the past ten years I have worked as an educator in various contexts. I enjoy – and am skilled at – working collaboratively and independently to serve the goals of an individual, team and/or organization. I have extensive experience in working with the general and professional public on a daily basis. I, likewise, am skilled in reaching out to, introducing myself to, and communicating efficiently and effectively with a range of people. In my most recent position as a Library Programs Educator at a Museum, I worked not only with parents and children but also with publishers, authors and illustrators, in order to plan and carry out programming. I am deeply committed to supporting people in their endeavors and to empowering people to achieve their learning goals.
As an English language instructor, my approach would be collaborative, patient, enthusiastic and guiding. I would cultivate a learning atmosphere that is lively and fun, yet also serious and focused. My responsibilities in my previous job included leading programs, such as story-times for school groups, children and parents, in which I sought to inspire and sustain a love of art and literacy in our guests of all ages. My colleagues and I engaged in on-going conversations about the fundamental building blocks of early literacy, so I am constantly thinking about how one acquires languages. At the same time, I am familiar with the challenges of learning a second language. Through a variety of materials, approaches, and tools I have been studying and practicing French,
and have acquired a good working knowledge of the language.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts . Psychology . February 2007
Senior Thesis Part I: “Co-collaborations with Children: Discovering and Exploring Challenges and Possibility”
• Developed research approach; implemented and documented research
• Wrote and expanded on findings using various theories of childhood studies and psychology
Thesis Part II: Two Collections of Poems: Behind the Face of a Pocket Watch and Delicate Life
Bank S. College of Education
The Teaching of Reading . Writing . and Language Arts . Summer 2003
Post-Baccalaureate Educational Activities
- Designed and conducted cumulative lesson plans for one child
-Individual poetry tutorial with Patrick Donnelly, Summers 2007 & 2008
- Active member of a weekly writing group 2007 – 2011
I am currently available during the day and many evenings. I hope very much to be interviewed for a position. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
| Courses offered |
English
|
| Experience | I've been teaching for more than 2yrs |
| Spoken languages |
French
(beginner)
|
Abigail can provide references from recent employers
I can not say enough great things about Abigail. She babysat for my children (now 6 and 9 years old) since my oldest was an infant. She is mature, reliable, an excellent communicator, and the kids adore her. As two full time working parents, we rely on our "village" to help raise our children. She was an incredibly important part of that village for us. She did regular after school slots for us and spelled us for "date nights". She is the only person outside of my family I would have considered leaving the kids with overnight. We miss her - the kids want to move to Canada so Abigail can be their sitter still!
Abigail babysat my older son for almost 2 years before she moved out of town. My wife and I had to go for work as long as 8 hours. Abigail was expected to come early in the morning (depending on our schedule) and fed my son 3 times and had him take a nap or two before we came back home. She was capable of doing all those with no problem. In addition, she always tried to understand the development of my son and provided helpful material even before we asked her to. Sometimes, she would propose some good ideas about books and toys. When he was too young, she would carry him around the house and show/name the items. When he was ready to learn phrases/sentences, she would reinforce those expressions so that my son was able to learn and use them. She would voluntarily borrow fun/interesting books from a library and bring them to read for my son on her day. She was always polite and nice not just to us but to my son as well. She respected the emotion of my son and things that my son cared. My son always enjoyed the time. When my wife and I had (any) issues/concerns with my son, she was a good person to talk to since we believed that she understood my son as much as we did. When my son started expressing himself, she often said Abigail was his best friend. So we spared Mondays to have Abigail when we were able to send my son to a daycare for almost free (My wife and I were both graduate students and were able to send my son to the university daycare for almost free). I feel quite sorry for my son since he could not have her any more since she is out of town (actually country). If you are looking for a babysitter, I can't think of better person than Abigail.
This is my base rate based on my experience for one child or learner. I am happy to speak further and negotiate the price.