2003 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

KELLY MARTINE MERRITT 2107 La Mer Lane (517) 339-0396 Haslett, MI 48840 [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL GOALS

I aspire to teach English and ESL at the secondary level. Professionally, I aim to work with a culturally diverse group of students and plan to extend my professional education as a teacher throughout my career. I am seeking a position wherein I can contribute in concrete ways to the community development among the students, faculty, parents, and larger community. Critical thinking, reflection, and questioning are central to my philosophy as a teacher.

EDUCATION

2003 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI Bachelor of Arts Degree. Major: English. Minor Equivalency: Religious Studies. Cumulative GPA: 3.97

2005 Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI English as a Second Language (ESL) Certification and Endorsement

1995 Hope College, Holland, MI Bachelor of Arts Degree. Major: Religious Studies. Minor: Vocal Performance.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Everett High School (Aug. 2003-Apr. 2004)  Instructed and developed lesson plans for 10th grade American Literature Honors, 9th grade Literature and Composition Honors, and 9th grade Reading Strategies;  Engaged in substantial parental and other adult network support for students; and,  Integrated theoretical academic research with practice-based inquiry applications.

PRE-INTERNSHIP FIELD EXPERIENCE

Okemos High School, 4 hrs/week (Oct. 2002-Apr. 2003)  Actively interacting with students and teacher during observation of daily lesson plans;  Constructing and implementing the required 5 lesson plans this spring, including one three-day segment and others as available. Developed and taught 2 lessons for an Expository Writing class and American Literature class during the fall;  Engaging in an inquiry process investigating the relationship between the writing process and writing assessment. This culminated in a formal inquiry project report during the fall semester and will be further researched and developed during the spring; and,  Keeping a regular, detailed observation journal, including feedback from and follow-up discussions with mentor teacher and students.

TEACHING RELATED EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN SWITZERLAND (TASIS), Montagnola, CH (Aug. 1998–June 2000) Director of Community Life  Coordinated dormitory life and housing for 320 students and trained 24 faculty;  Organized placement and training for 380 students in community service positions; and,  Delegated and supervised weekly social events and three annual school-wide events, i.e. Prom, Fall Boat Dance, and the Winter Dance.

of 2 Kelly M. Merritt Teacher  Developed curriculum and taught middle school Music Appreciation and ninth grade gym classes;  Prepared music classes for public performances in school and community related events; and,  Instructed private voice lessons for three students, 3 hours total per week for two years. Dormitory Head  Supervised living and social environments for approximately 50 youth, seventh through tenth grades, as well as managed six adult staff sharing house supervisory roles.

CAMP HIGHFIELDS, ONONDAGA, MI (Mar. 2001-present) Breakthrough Consultant  Facilitate small group development for a variety of clientele (including school groups, teacher orientation, corporations, and non-profit organizations) in team work, communication, problem solving and leadership skills; and,  Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified (reissued February 2002). At-Risk Alternative School Program, Gardner Middle School, Lansing MI (Feb. 2002-June 2002)  Facilitated social, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills development in youth caught in a chronic suspension and expulsion cycles; and,  Assisted certified teacher in basic skills academic development.

SUMMER 2002 BRIDGE PROGRAM, HASLETT, MI (June 2002-Aug. 2002)  Developed curriculum and implemented small-group summer tutoring program for highly motivated middle school students struggling with study and test taking skills. 10 students, 4.5 hours per week;  Intend to offer BRIDGE program again in summer 2003, and will expand to offer a reading and writing workshop opportunity as well.

PRIVATE TUTORING BUSINESS, HASLETT, MI (Sept. 2002-present)  Privately tutor students in study skills, test prep skills, reading and writing across the curriculum; and,  3 students, approximately 4 hours total per week during fall semester. Currently, 5 students, approximately 8 hours total per week.

OKEMOS PUBLIC SCHOOLS, KINAWA MIDDLE SCHOOL, OKEM0S, MI Long-Term Substitute Teacher (Aug. 2000-Nov. 2000)  Delivered hands-on, experiential science and language arts curriculum at the 6th grade level;  Developed open communication channels with parents and special skills teachers; and,  Created assessment tools for frequent and adequate analysis of students’ progress. Substitute Teaching, Secondary (Dec. 2000-present)  Approximately 3 days per week at Okemos High School, Chippewa and Kinawa Middle Schools

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, OKEMOS, MI (Sept. 1996–June 1998) Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries  Developed curriculum and taught a range of year-long and summer religious education courses simultaneously. Ages ranged from preschool through confirmation and adult education.  Recruited and trained 50+ adult volunteers to fill year-round teaching positions, and another 30+ for seasonal programs; and,  Created specialty programs to meet needs within the organization.

HONORS AND AWARDS Dean’s List: Michigan State University, Summer 2001, Spring and Fall 2002 Dean’s List: Hope College, Fall 1993 Hope College Winter Music Festival Contest: First Place, Winter 1992 David F. Machtel Vocal Competition: First Place, Spring 1990 Distinguished Artist Award: Hope College, 1990 and 1991

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS National/Michigan Council of Teachers of English (NCTE and MCTE) Michigan Teachers of Social Sciences (MTSS)

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