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Learn More About Mary's Experience:

elementary (k-6th) I am a graduate of St. John's University. I received a bachelor's degree in Childhood/Elementary grades 1-6 in May 2007. A year before I graduated I became an AmeriCorps Member for the Jumpstart program through St. John's. Jumpstart is a mentoring and tutoring program. It has provided me with intensive training to teach pre-school children how to read. Several students from each class around the area were selected for this program. The students chosen were children who needed extra help preparing for kindergarten. As a volunteer I met with one pre-school student twice a week for a year and completed 300 hours throughout the year. During this time I had a privilege to work with a child one to one; his name was Rajab. By the end of the school year, Rajab grew and learned so much. His accomplishments made me feel like I really made a difference in his life. Rajab, his pre-school teacher, his father and I all felt he was ready for kindergarten. Not only was it a great experience for Rajab but it was a great experience for me as well. I discovered that I really enjoy teaching and guiding young children to their success. In October 2007, I started substitute teaching for the Hicksville and Glen Cove School districts. Working as a substitute teacher I had the opportunity to work with children of many different ages and backgrounds. I have the natural characteristics that it takes to be a great teacher, patience, love of learning, good at explaining things, and most importantly,the love of children.