My name is Thomas, and I am a lifelong student and teacher. I have a wide range of experience in life and academics. I currently have a Bachelor of Science in communication arts - concentration in radio, television and film production. In December, I will graduate with a second Bachelor of Science degree in English - concentration in professional writing and a minor in history. I returned to college after being out of school for 18 years to complete my first degree. Upon completion of that degree, I decided to continue my education to advance my understanding of the communication process. With the dual degrees, I have developed a wide base of knowledge in both written and verbal communications.
During that time period, I worked in the entertainment industry and in law enforcement. I have worked in training and teaching people in every field that I have ever worked. I have extensive experience working with teenagers in work and volunteer organizations. I have trained or taught people from diverse backgrounds and skill levels. The key behind teaching or training anyone is to relate the information on a level that helps them understand it. That technique varies from person to person. Some students are visual learners and can understand by seeing the information; others learn from written text. It is important to combine the various methods to enhance the learning experience for the student. It is equally important to use every tool available to accomplish this goal.
I worked as a substitute teacher for the Colbert County School System from 1987-92 where I was frequently called to sub for teachers that were going to be absent for multiple days because I believed in continuing with the teacher's lesson plans instead of just babysitting. I have tutored college students, including foreign exchange students, in various subjects including communication, English, literature, and other subjects. I have worked as a production consultant for student and low-budget filmmakers on various film productions providing information, on-site consulting, and casting/crew assistance including booking professional talent.
In my own academic work, I made the Dean's List every semester from 2007-2009. I am a member of Lambda Pi Eta (National Communication Association’s Honor Society) and Omicron Delta Kappa (National Leadership Honor Society). I cleared an FBI and Alabama Bureau of Investigations background check as required by the University of North Alabama in 2011, and am willing to provide that documentation or have another completed if requested.
I have completed some educational courses as well as the degrees listed. I have completed courses in Instruction of English Composition and Human Growth and Development. These courses helped me to understand the different educational and developmental stages of life. They also help target my writing to a particular audience, which also helps me in teaching students of different age groups.
Learning should be fun. It shouldn't be a task that has to be completed. If a student feels like it is a burden, then they only accomplish learning enough to pass a test or a course. The goal is for them to learn skills that they can apply to other areas of life. When they realize that they understand what is being discussed or how to figure it out, then they feel like they are part of the process.
NOT AVAILABLE JULY 7-15
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