Jennifer Abdella
Email: j[email protected]
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position in a public or private school where I can help students grow in knowledge, responsible behavior, and kindness. To work in an environment that provides opportunities for leadership in extracurricular activities including athletic and/or academic programming.
EDUCATION:
*Masters of Technology in Education, June 2013
University of Michigan Flint
*Bachelor of Science in Education, December 2004
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Major: Elementary Group Minors
Minor: Mathematics and Science, Physical Education
Michigan Provisional Certificate:
K-5 all subjects, K-8 all subjects (Self Contained), K-8 Physical Education
NP Endorsement Technology K-8
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Grand Blanc West Middle School, Grand Blanc Community Schools, Grand Blanc, MI
Technology Education and Physical Education Teacher, August 2012-Present
Attended several extensive weeks of training for Project Lead the Way curriculum I currently lead students in STEM based courses, giving them a glimpse of several engineering opportunities. Seventh grade students have the opportunity to explore Medical Detectives - a semester long PLTW course geared towards the exploration of crime scene investigations. They could also choose to explore Introduction to Computer Science - a semester long PLTW course geared towards learning the ins and outs of physical coding. Eighth grade dives deeper into a year long PLTW course that explores Autodesk Inventor - a 3D CAD program and learns about robotics with the use of VEX programming giving them an inside look at what a mechanical engineer might deal with in their career. When needed, I also take on PE courses at all levels.
Center Academy Flint, Visions Educational Consortium, Flint, MI
Physical Education Teacher, August 2009- Present & Athletic Director, December 2011-2012
Planned and implemented many physical education and health lessons to students kindergarten through eighth grade. Kindergarten through second grades participated in units that focused on using fine and large motor skills. Third through fifth grades focused on the Presidential Physical Fitness Test and bettering their scores throughout the year. Sixth through eighth grades focused on organized sports. They learned the rules and skills to play the games. Taught all grade levels health lessons using Michigan Model materials. As athletic director I managed and hired coaches, arranged referees and schedules, and coordinated all home game events.
Grand Blanc Middle School East and West, Grand Blanc Community Schools, Grand Blanc, MI
Long Term Substitute Physical Education Teacher, August 2007- April 2008, September 2008- June 2009
Planned and implemented many units of both traditional and non-traditional games/sports to sixth grade classes. Some units included ultimate frisbee, basketball, football, handball, fitness, bowling, and badminton. Engaged students everyday in warm-up exercises, knowledge of sport, practice drills, and tournaments. Graded students based upon participation, proper attire, attitude, and knowledge of rules for each unit. Implemented new SMART goal for P.E. Department, and also introduced the President's Challenge Program into curriculum. Communicated with parents via phone, email, and parent-teacher conferences. Was held accountable for all duties performed by a contracted teacher.
Swartz Creek Middle School, Swartz Creek Community Schools, Swartz Creek, MI
Long Term Substitute Physical Education Teacher, April 2008-June 2008
Took over position after a very traumatic event occured. Instructed volleyball, track, and capture the flag units to sixth, seventh, and eighth grade classes. Provided daily warm-up activities, practice drills, rules of the sport, and games. Awarded four points daily based upon participation, attitude, behavior, and proper attire.
Brendel , McGrath, and Myers Elementary, Grand Blanc Community Schools, Grand Blanc, MI
Long-Term Substitute Classroom Size Reduction Teacher, December 2006- June 2007
Traveled between three elementary schools to accommodate multi-age classrooms.
Brendel Elementary: Taught second grade math using the Everyday Math Program. Concentrated on telling time, graphing skills, measurement, geometry, timed tests, and working with money. Introduced multiplication, fractions, adding and subtracting with trading. McGrath Elementary: Taught third and fourth grade science and spelling. Third grade science units that were covered included Matter, Simple Machines, and The Geo-sphere. Fourth grade science units that were covered included Light and Sound, Magnetism and Electricity, Sun, Moon and Earth, Water, Weather, and Matter. Myers Elementary: Taught second grade social studies and science. Science units that were covered included Air and Weather, Plants, Energy, and Sun, Moon, and Earth. Social Studied units that were covered included Core Democratic Values, Regions, History, Current Events, Community, and Take a Stand. Planned lessons for all schools. Pre-tested, post-tested, graded and reported all progress on report cards.
Grand Blanc Middle School West, Grand Blanc Community Schools, Grand Blanc, MI
Long-Term Substitute Math Teacher, October 2006- December 2006
Planned and instructed a fractions unit to sixth grade students. Completed lessons on various ways to add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers. Teacher's manuals provided the guideline for teaching math, but other activities/worksheets were pulled in to suit the students' needs and to make material more interesting and meaningful. Observed and interacted with whole group, small groups, and individuals as necessary.
Chestnut Mountain Elementary, Hall County Schools, Flowery Branch, GA
Classroom Teacher, August 2005 – August 2006
Taught all content areas to fifth grade students using various teaching techniques based on the individual needs of the students and the Georgia State Professional Standards. Maintained an organized, positive, and successful learning environment by being consistent, prepared, flexible, and understanding. Served on several school committees including the Behavioral Committee, the Student Support Team, the Council for School Improvement, and served as Grade Chairperson from Jan-May.
Gilkey Elementary, Plainwell Community Schools, Plainwell, MI
Intern Teacher, August 2004 - December 2004
Assisted and taught all subjects in a second grade classroom. Planned and instructed grade appropriate lessons, implementing strategies to support learning for all academic levels. Learned to maintain an organized and safe environment, encouraging students growth in knowledge and social behavior.
Chime Elementary, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Kalamazoo, MI
Guest Teacher, August 2003 - April 2004
Taught various physical education lessons to classrooms ranging from second to sixth grade. Focus on lower grades was to teach fundamental motor skills and flexibility. Focus on upper grades was to teach basic sport knowledge and encourage students to become physically active and stay physically fit throughout their lifespan.
REFERENCES:
Jeff Neall - Principal, Grand Blanc West M.S. (810) 591-7308
Clarence Garner - Deputy Superintendent, Grand Blanc (810) 591-6002
Amber Hall - Curriculum Director, Grand Blanc (810) 591-6017
Sabrina May - Principal, Chestnut Mountain Elem. (770) 967-3121
** Reference sheet and Letters of Recommendation available upon request. **