"Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you'll be able to see further." -Thomas Carlyle

The Reason I Teach

                “Please take a seat and get started on your class work while I take attendance.” I scanned the room looking for any absentee students. The black beady eyes of six stuffed animals stared right back at me; I had a full class that day.

            Ever since I stepped foot into Elementary school, I have been fascinated with education. I spent my childhood enjoying school and even the work that came with it. Growing up in such an affluent area, I was blessed to be part of a wonderful school district. My teachers were well trained and put a very positive spin on school, something that many children would rather do without. As I grew older I began to admire my teachers and I would emulate them as I played school in my bedroom. It was not uncommon for my mother to find graded papers, attendance sheets and report cards lying around the house, addressed to the parents of my teddy bears and dolls. I wanted to practice the kindness and patience that my teachers had shown towards me as I attended school.

             Just as I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of my stuffed animals, I look forward to doing the same for my students after I graduate. I believe that education is one of the most beautiful blessings that we have in America, yet it is sadly underappreciated. This past summer I spent two weeks teaching English to elementary-aged students at a small school in rural Thailand. While I was there I was shocked to see the level of gratitude that the students and their families had for both teachers and education itself. Their classrooms were bare and materials were scarce, yet each morning they walked miles in ankle-deep mud so that they could learn something new.

            This is something that I wish to see in my classroom. I want to see the eager eyes of my students as they wait patiently to learn something new. I want them to experience a thirst for knowledge and an appreciation for the education that they are so blessed to have. I want to make a difference in their lives that will help mold them into the well-rounded adults that we all would like them to become. 

Stephanie Moody's portfolios

3 portfolios

"Fair doesn't mean giving every child the same thing, it means giving every child what they need." -Rick Lavoie

My Resumé

Stephanie Gaur

9 Wyndover Woods Lane
Apt. 17
White Plains, NY 10603

(845) 702-2614 (c)
StephanieGaur@gmail.com 

Objective
To obtain a teaching position that utilizes my passion for teaching to create a positive learning experience for all students and families through consistent communication, collaboration, and differentiated instruction. 

Certifications                             
New York State Childhood Education (1 - 6)                                                                                               May 2013
New York State Students with Disabilities (1 - 6)                                                                                          May 2013
New York Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)                                                                   In review by state

Education
Pace University Pleasantville, NY                                                                                            Sept. 2008 - May 2013
Honors School of Education, 5-Year Combined Degree Program
Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education - Concentration in English/Literature
Undergraduate GPA: 3.87       Graduate GPA: 3.96

Degrees
Bachelor’s Degree- Childhood Education        May 2013
Master of Science in Education Degree- Childhood Special Education                     May 2013

Honors
Summa Cum Laude- Undergraduate and Graduate                                                                  May 2012 - May 2013
Pi Lambda Theta National Educational Honor Society                                                             Jan. 2012 - May 2013
Phorzheimer’s Honors College                                                                                               Sept. 2008 - May 2013

Teaching Experience
Mamaroneck Avenue School, White Plains, NY

ESL Classroom--Grade 1 (Full Year Leave Replacement)                                               Sept. 2014- Present

  • Worked collaboratively with ESL teachers and interventionists to improve accuracy, fluency and reading comprehension scores for struggling students by up to 12%
  • Differentiated lessons to meet the needs of advanced students as well as students with exceptional learning needs through the use of evidence-based practices

ESL Classroom—Grade 3 (Leave Replacement)                                                              Feb. 2014 - Present

  • Initiated and encouraged parent-teacher correspondence through the use of a class communication website including weekly newsletters, homework assignments and special class events
  • Developed a behavioral plan to teach a student how to organize materials and self-monitor behavior

Self-Contained Classroom—Grades 3 - 5 (Leave Replacement)                                    Dec. 2013-Feb. 2014                                                   Dec. 2013 - Feb. 2014

  • Supported students with various moderate to severe cognitive and physical disabilities
  • Worked collaboratively with related service professionals
  • Customized individual, small group and whole group lessons to differentiate instruction
  • Modified lesson plans to meet the needs of students based on their disability
  • Incorporated the use of different multi-sensory strategies based on students’ ability level
  • Administered New York State Alternate Assessment

            Inclusion Classroom—Grade 3 (Leave Replacement)                                                   Sept. 2013 - Dec. 2013

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Student Teaching Experience
Mamaroneck Avenue School, White Plains, NY        

Special Education Consultant Classroom—Grades 1 - 2                                                     March - May 2013
            Special Education Self-Contained Classroom—Grades K - 2                                               Jan. - March 2013

Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School, Croton-Harmon, NY

            Inclusion Classroom—Grade 5                                                                                Jan. - March 2012
            English as a Second Language Classroom—Grade 3                                                           March - May 2012

Additional Teaching Experience
Private ELA and Math Tutoring, White Plains, NY                                                                    June 2013 - Present                                                      June 2013 - Present

Tutor Time Learning Centers  , Pleasantville, NY                                                                   April 2011 - July 2012

Mae Sariang Elementary School, Mae Sariang, Thailand                                                                              July 2009

Related Experience
Pace University Residence Director, Pleasantville, NY                                                 Sept. 2012 - May 2013

  • Participated in and facilitated staff, student and community development
  • Enforced university policy through judicial hearings and led crisis management
  • Supervised and collaborated with a staff of four resident assistants as well as a team of six Hall Council members
  • Lead collateral staff recognition team to encourage and reward outstanding performance in the work community

Pace University Resident Assistant, Pleasantville, NY                                                               Sept. 2010 - July 2012

Volunteer
Pleasantville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Pleasantville, NY                                                     June 2010 - Jan. 2012

Skills

 

DIBELS and DRA Trained

NYS Alternate Assessment

Behavior Management

Fundations Program

American Sign Language

SMART board

Envisions Math Program

Small Group Instruction

Incorporating Technology

 

References
References available upon request