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Learn More About Carissa's Experience:

elementary (k-6th) As an elementary school educator I work with students in grades 1 through 8. While most instruction occurs in the computer lab, our technology curriculum is co-dependent upon developing and improving language arts skills. I coach students in reading, writing, and grammar and design custom strategies for success in learning based on their particular strengths and learning styles. Student success programs emphasize phonics, sentence structure, and fluency. ESL/ESOL I have completed the PA TESL program certification. I have been tutoring adults in second language learning as well as students in grades 1-6 from slovakia, turkey, and russia. During my program I worked extensively with a local univerity's language center focusing on pronunciation, reading, writing, and developing listening skills with young adults. In order to complete the program I was required to analyze and implement a case study in which I worked with a student whose native language was Chinese. We worked to develop fluency and articulation, especially with the sounds unfamiliar to the Chinese language. general computer Professionally, I am a technology specialist. I currrently work with 400+ students and provide daily technology instruction to students in grades 1 through 8. My curriculum ranges from computer basics including parts of a computer, proper ergonomics, safety, and maintenance to MS Office suite and all of it's applications (Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Word)b 2.0, email, Internet research and evaluation. Additionally, I run an after-school technology club teaching the basics and building strong foundations for future projects including a school website and digital yearbook. study skills Working in an elementary school affords me the oppurtunity to evaluate students strengths and weaknesses during instruction. Because I work with such a vast range of ages and levels (grades 1 through 8)I have a a working knowledge of key identifiers of deficit which require my redirection and intriduction of student speific strategies for improvement. Additionally, I have worked as a mentor and academic coach at the high school and university level providing direct support in study skills. I worked to help identify each students learning styles and match them with research proven strategies for success.