Welcome to My Portfolio
The 2018-2019 school year was my eighth year employed as full-time faculty at Nichols College. As usual, it was a busy year for me; I taught overages each semester, was an active member of committees, and began a research project. Details of my year can be found throughout this portfolio.
Backstory
My mother tells me that I have always expressed an interested in teaching. As a young child, I expressed my desire to teach, and that my desire has never waned. Ironically, I have found myself in a teaching role in every job that I have held. Even as a waitress as a high school student, I was asked to become the store’s trainer.
Later, when I worked as a public school teacher, I worked as a professional development trainer for my district and another district. Eventually, I worked as a trainer for the Rhode Island Teacher Technology Initiative (RITTI), training teachers from other districts on how to infuse technology into their curriculum. My passion for working in this capacity led me to become a technology/curriculum director where I was able to plan and conduct professional development, while still teaching in the classroom from time-to-time.
Even in my “non professional” life, I seemed to be drawn to teach. Right after my high school graduation, my high school physical education teacher called me, asking if I was interested in attending a certification for aerobic instructors with her. She knew of my interest in aerobics, and she thought that I would make a good instructor. I accepted her invitation and have taught group exercise classes ever since. In fact, this “hobby” actually turned into a business for me as I now own and teach at my own fitness studio, Auburn Yoga & Pilates Center.
Today, working as a visiting professor at Nichols, I would to think that my everyday actions convey my significant interest in teaching. I spend a great deal of time preparing and correcting. It is not unusual to find me working in my office during breaks and vacations. I am also available beyond my required office hours for students who need assistance.
However, my interest in teaching extends beyond the classes that I teach. I am on several college committees, and I also seem to be frequently recruited for special projects and/or initiatives.
My interest in teaching has also led me to pursue and obtaining my doctorate in education degree from Northeastern University. I concentrated in curriculum leadership, with a focus in STEM education.
Now, learning about best practices, and discussing scholarly issues with other educators, continues to create new interest in both teaching and learning for me.
Teaching Philosophy
Resume/CV
Goals
My goals for the 2020-2021 year include:
- Development and implementation of a PowerBI course
- Development of an “Advanced, advanced Excel” course
- Continued ample and relevant FDC offerings
- Further development of my research projects