About Melanie

Through out my high school and college years I was an elementary and junior high after school tutor, in all subject areas. In addition, I was a Spanish teacher at "Make A Difference Youth Foundation", in Chicago IL, during the summer of 2008. During 2005-2007, I was a childcare provider at the First Church of the Nazarene in Kankakee, IL and The Cornerstone Church in Bourbonnais, IL. In both of these locations I planned and initiated activities to keep the children entertained. Next, my professional experiences make me a very qualified candidate in the teaching field. For one, I have had several field experiences during my college years. During my freshman year at Martin Luther King Middle School in Kankakee, IL, I observed a 5th and 6th grade classroom for the entire semester. During my junior year, I observed and taught at Manteno High School in Manteno, IL. Then, during my senior year, I observed and taught at Kankakee High School in Kankakee, IL, as well as student taught Spanish to 8th grade students at Wilkins Junior High School in Justice, IL In addition, I tutored a high school student at Bradley-Bourbonnais High School, IL during the fall of 2007 specifically for Spanish II. Also, during the first half of 2010, I was a substitute teacher at District 163 and 170 in Park Forest/Chicago Heights. Finally, I am currently a bilingual (Spanish) paraprofessional for the Special Education Department in a high school. I am passionate in teaching others because I was highly influenced by my mother to become a better student. When I was in elementary school I didn't receive very good grades, but when my mother quit her job and spent so much more time with me, when it came to my school work, I ended up bringing my grades up to A's, and B's. In addition, I became a member of the National Honor Society through Junior High, High School and College. She constantly encouraged me into being a hard worker and a more positive thinker when it came to problems in school and life. As a result of these actions I decided, when I entered college that I wanted to positively shape the lives of others, by finishing their education with a bright future ahead. Therefore, as a previous college student, how well I did academically was and still is shaping my educational and career goals. I want to teach people of all various ages so that they use the information that they were taught for their future success and to explore all of the options that are available through the continuation of their education. Currently, having my degree will assist me in my hopes of influencing adults and children outside of my classroom, as a positive role model with consistent determination and hard work. I expect to make a difference in the lives of others and how they think about themselves and their abilities. I need them to know that they can do anything they truly desire as long as they believe in themselves. Next, my previous work experiences have shaped my future interest in teaching by showing me on how to be aware and knowledgeable of the material and tasks presented to me, in order to successfully instruct others. For example, having previously tutored underprivileged children for several years at an after school program called "Make a Difference Youth Foundation", has given me pleasure and high hopes to know that the children were getting better because of my confidence in them to achieve to their utmost, despite the obstacles. This type of experience and many other educational and work experiences have directed me into discovering what my goals and dreams are: Teaching. My desire to give my students a positive, uplifting and inspirational environment will give them the motivation to finish school. Due to this positive environment they will have a more determined and get up and go outlook on life; I hope it will lead them to realize that they have all the tools they need to direct themselves into the direction they want to go through out life.