I provide instruction in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. My students have included English Language Learners, struggling readers and writers, and learners interested in improving general literacy skills. Instruction includes specific grammar, pronunciation, and sentence structure skills for both children and adults. My lessons begin with an introduction and assessment. I accommodate every lesson to the needs of each student- whether they are a beginner or advanced learner. I believe it is important to get to know each student's individual interests, which help me to relate information to them in a way they can achieve optimal comprehension and understanding. Instruction is based on assessment, as well as targeted and individualized goals. I provide specific feedback based on both strengths and areas of improvement.
I was previously a Kindergarten teacher for 4 years with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, specializing in second language acquisition (ESL). I recently received my Masters in Reading Education (M.Ed), while also working as a Graduate Research Assistant. I am a certified consultant of The Central Texas Writing Project, a site of the National Writing Project, which focuses on exploring the most successful research-based approaches for teaching writing. I have taught students from all over the world (including in China for 1.5 years, where I learned polite Mandarin). All of my Kindergarten students have met or exceeded standard reading, writing, and math levels. Every adult ELL (English language learner) leaves my class highly satisfied, having learned crucial skills that improve their communication in English and overall literacy skills.
Education and Certifications
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
Graduate Research Assistant, February 2019-May 2019
• Collaborated on writing a grant proposal with an emphasis on inspiring confidence, creativity, engagement, and value in reluctant writers, utilizing hands-on scientific experiences and real-world topics;
• Used NVivo software program to analyze audio transcripted interviews and texts.
ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY, AUSTIN, TEXAS
Adjunct Instructor for ACCESS Program, March-April 2019
• Designed curriculum and assessment for 14 Japanese high school graduates, aimed at enhancing verbal and written English language skills;
• Targeted curriculum applying college literacy standards in preparation for attending Asia Pacific University.
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
Graduate Research Assistant, September 2017-September 2018
• Collaborated with Professors on research for publication on critical media literacy;
• Participated in the design, implementation, and facilitation of critical literacy and critical media literacy lessons for graduate and undergraduate courses;
• Managed recruitment for the Reading Education program through field research, website information, and post-graduate student surveys.
EDUCATION FIRST, ONLINE LEARNING
ESL Distance Learning Teacher, April 2016- Present
• Use online teaching tools to maximize learning for ELLs from various countries around the world via distant learning;
• Use a friendly voice, engaging students in a conversational way;
• Encourage students to share their own personal thoughts and experiences throughout lessons;
• Model grammar, sentence structure, and conversational rhythm;
• Manage the flow of the online classroom;
• Grade students using feedback with specific examples of their accomplishments and areas for improvement.
HANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HANGZHOU, CHINA
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, August 2015-November 2015
• Implemented new International Primary Curriculum and Jolly Phonics for Early Years;
• Collaborated with team members for each unit to create purposeful activities that met the individual needs of students;
• Maintained consistent written and verbal communication with parents and administration regarding the progress and needs of each student;
• Established an effective classroom management system by using appropriate behavior management strategies to reinforce positive student behaviors and ignite a passion for learning;
• Directed teacher assistant duties.
Summer School Teacher, Shanghai Community International School, June 2015-July 2015
• Designed and facilitated engaging summer activities for students in grades three, four, and five;
• Ordered and organized supplies for activities.
Kindergarten Teacher, August 2014-June 2015
• Tracked progress of students using various assessment methods, allowing me to accommodate materials to enhance the growth of each individual student;
• Integrated technology into daily lessons to heighten student engagement, including the use of Starfall, Discovery Education, Brain Pop Jr., and Tumblebooks;
• Created and executed hands-on activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of social and academic content for students using auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning strategies;
HORNE ELEMENTARY, HOUSTON, TEXAS
Kindergarten Teacher, August 2012-June 2014
• Improved 17 ELLs English language proficiency by assessing each students’ proficiency level, researching the student’s family background, and providing proper individualized accommodations;
• Guided student-centered activities to gradually increase student independence and responsibility for their own learning;
• Facilitated a balanced literacy program, including Lucy Calkin’s reading and writing workshops, Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading, word work, and interactive reading and writing;
• Served as our Kindergarten Team’s Math Textbook Representative, in which I tested and reported on possible math textbooks for our school to adopt.
KLEIN ISD, SPRING, TEXAS
Special Education Support Assistant, October 2011-May 2012
• Used technology and other resources to support students in their social and educational needs;
• Accommodated tests, activities, and learning materials to fulfill the Individual Education Plan requirements for each student with special needs.
Education and Certifications
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN, TEXAS
Major: Bachelor of Science, Applied Learning and Development Minor: Communication
TExES: PPR- Renewed, August 2015
TExES: EC- Grade 4 Generalist- Renewed, August 2015
TExES: EC-Grade 6 ESL Generalist- Renewed, August 2015
Leadership Positions
HANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HANGZHOU, CHINA
Co-choreographer for The Little Mermaid Jr. Musical, August 2015-November 2015
• Collaborated with a team of teachers to choreograph dance moves to the music of The Little Mermaid;
• Participated in the overall production and costume design of the musical.
International Day Organizer, August 2014-November 2015
• Collaborated with a team of teachers to create and organize meaningful activities, of which celebrated diversity within the school.
HORNE ELEMENTARY
Step Team Coordinator for the Horne STAAR Steppers, Fall 2013-Spring 2014
• Organized and operated the first extra-curricular step and dance team, including choreography for 25 students;
• Performed for faculty, students, and parents of Horne throughout the year, motivating them to take an active interest in the STAAR test;
• Coordinated with administration and parents for scheduled performances.
Skills
• Microsoft Office and iMovie Proficient
• Conversational Mandarin
o Completed 45 hours of Mandarin lessons while in China.
Tess is fantastic!! I hired her to teach my 8 year-old and she has done a wonderful job. She is patient, she explains things clearly, she does not mind repeating herself as many times as needed for my son to understand, and she makes the lessons fun and interactive. I look forward to continuing to work with Tess, and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.
Tess is incredibly engaging, insightful and imaginative. My son was not only interested in the material but was able to comprehend and process all the tasks assigned to him with ease. She addresses questions and keeps the flow of the curriculum going in a patient, yet high-energy manner. I have now recommended her to several other mothers who are experiencing difficulty maintaining homeschooling at this time of global crisis. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and I encourage anyone to try her services for their children as well!
She was so wonderful to work with, very communicative and understanding of my child’s needs. Highly recommended!
Tess was a great instructor! My daughter was very happy after her class with Tess. Tess's class helped my daughter become excited about learning English which has never been the case before.
When it comes to having the well-being and best interests of the students in mind, Tess is the best teacher for the job. She genuinely cares about each student she encounters and will give her all to make sure that student is getting the best education possible and do so with an undeniable passion. The amount of time, energy and knowledge Tess puts into her lessons is unmatched. When she puts her mind to something, there is no doubt she will accomplish whatever the task at hand. Tess's enthusiasm for learning doesn't stop when the last bell rings, she gladly will stay after hours to help a student in need or take on an after-school project where she helps produce the school musical. No student will ever be left behind under her supervision. She absolutely lights up when she talks about the students in her class or a lesson she's preparing. On a personal note, I've known Tess almost my entire life and she is the most trustworthy, loyal and caring friend I could ever ask for. Those traits are apparent in ever aspect of her life.
she keeps all information confidential and is very trustworthy.
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10 hours | Not available | Not available | $300 |