Willamette University

Candidates

Aimee Smith

Master of Arts in Teaching

Aimee Smith

Authorizations

Elementary Education, Middle School Education

Endorsements

Middle School Science, Multiple Subjects, Music (K-8), Special Education (K-12)

Endorsements (pending)

Middle School Language Arts

Curriculum Vitae | Professional Education Blog

Teaching Strengths

  • Personal teaching philosophy focusing on differentiation to learning needs, integration of content areas, and collaboration with learning teams. I focus on being REAL in my classroom every day - respectful, responsible & reliable (R), encouraging to others (E), authentic (A), and learning-centered (L).
  • Explored a variety of teaching and management techniques in student teaching including: exploring Costa's levels of questioning, variety of literacy strategies (SQ3R/SQP2RS, Choose 5, flip books/foldables, Get the Gist, Cornell Notes, charts & diagrams, etc.), interactive simulations, small-group exploration projects, variety of grouping strategies, challenge activities, AVID WICR Strategies, GLAD & SIOP Strategies for English Language Learners, differentiation & individualized instruction (particularly for special education students), etc.
  • Action Research Project centered on the dispositions and philosophies of proficiency-based assessment. Focus on how this form of assessment affects my teaching and my student's learning.
  • Experience with and sensitivity to exceptional populations, including: English Language Learners, Special Education Populations (learning disabilities, autism, emotional behavior disorder, cerebral palsy, down's syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, medically fragile students, and others), students in poverty, students in foster care, students dealing with personal trauma, early intervention, students with behavior needs, students who have been severely bullied, migrant students, etc.

Education

  • Willamette University, ENDR Special Education, 2013 (Focus: K-12 General Special Education)
  • Willamette University, MA Teaching, 2013 (Focus: ECE/ELE Music, ELE/ML Multiple Subjects)
  • George Fox University, BA Music, 2010 (Concentrations: Music Education & Music Theory/Composition)
  • Chemeketa Community College (General Education Coursework)

Experience

Student Teaching

  • Waldo Middle School, Salem, Oregon, 6th & 8th Grades, AVID & Science

SPED Student Teaching

  • Houck Middle School (SPED), Salem, Oregon, 6th & 8th Grades, Learning Resource Center: Math, Reading, Writing, Study Skills

Music Student Teaching

  • Swegle Elementary School (Music), Salem, OR, 3rd and 4th, music

Practicum Teaching

  • Washington Elementary School, Salem, Oregon, 4th grade, Multiple Subjects Self-Contained: Social Studies

SPED Practicum Teaching

  • Kennedy Elementary School (SPED), Keizer, Oregon, Kindergarten - 2nd Grade, Developmental Learning Center

SPED Practicum

  • Special Arts & Literacy Camp, Summer 2012, Willamette University Graduate School of Education, Salem, Oregon, High School Counselor (worked with all ages during camp), Arts & Literacy for Students with Special Needs

Other Classroom/Youth

  • Special Programs Instructional Assistant 2 - Special Needs, Salem-Keizer Public Schools - Centennial Community Transition Program, Keizer, Oregon
  • Substitute Support Professional - Classified, Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Salem, Oregon
  • Preschool & Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher, Salem-Keizer Public Schools - Teen Parent Program Child Development Center, Salem, Oregon
  • Various Field Placements (Elementary Special Needs/Music, High School Music), Newberg Public Schools, Newberg, Oregon, See resume for details on each placement

Supervisors

Student Teaching Supervisor

  • Ben Light, Waldo Middle School - AVID/Science, Salem, Oregon

Practicum Supervisor

  • Shelley Strong, Washington Elementary School - Multiple Subjects, Salem, Oregon
  • Jeff Crueger, Swegle Elementary School - Music, Salem, Oregon
  • Jennifer Neazor, Houck Middle School - Academic Special Education, Salem, Oregon
  • Mary Perez, Kennedy Elementary School - Functional Special Education, Keizer, Oregon

University Supervisors