TAYLOR N.
griffith
Master of Education
Bachelor of Arts History
my
teaching
philosophy
The classroom should be a safe and welcoming place where all students feel encouraged, challenged, and respected.
Everyday I strive to encourage my students in not only their traditional education but also their development as their step closer to adulthood, challenge them to think more critically about the history taught, and respect them and their unique journey through education.
I believe these are the pillars to developing civic minded adults and are vital in taking society one step closer to understanding an unbiased history.
RESUME
Education
University of Arizona / May 2019 – May 2020
Master of Education
Teach Arizona | Secondary Teachers Certification (History)
GPA: 3.71
University of Arizona / August 2017 – May 2019
Bachelor of Arts in History
Minor: Adolescents, Community, and Education
GPA: 3.67 | Cum Laude | Dean’s List 2018-19
Pima Community College / August 2015 – May 2017
Major: Liberal Arts
GPA: 3.84
Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society | PCC Honors Society
Skills
Teaching: Communication, presentation, lesson planning, and conflict resolution
Languages: American Sign Language (Intermediate)
Certifications: Arizona Dept. of Public Service Fingerprint Clearance, Secondary Teachers Certification
Work Experience
Sandra Day O’Connor High School - Student Teacher / August 2019 – Present
• Observe practicing teachers.
• Create and teach lessons in accordance to state standards.
• Grade, correct, and record student work.
• Attend and participate in faculty and staff meetings
Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center - Tutor / October 2018 – May 2019
• Help to create a positive learning environment that benefits multiple learning styles and personalities.
• Guide students in better understanding elements of their curriculum.
• Encourage students to seek out real world applications to what they are studying.
• Attend and participate in faculty and staff meetings.
• Record and monitor student performance data.
Starbucks - Barista / May 2018 – May 2019
• Greet customers as they enter the store, engaging them in a positive and professional tone.
• Act as a mediator when necessary, helping to resolve customer concerns.
• Build professional relationships with customers.
• Work with teammates in a fast pace environment in an efficient manner.
Private Nanny / December 2015 – May 2018
• Created positive learning and growing environments for children aging from 0 months to 12 years.
• Tended to multiple developmental needs on an individual level as well as in group settings.
• Assisted children in reaching developmental educational milestones including the development of fine and gross motor skills.
• Worked with parents to better aid in child’s success and well-being academically, mentally, physically, and socially.
• Assisted with the completion of homework of various levels and subjects.
Awards
Arizona Teachers Academy / August 2019
Dolores R. Kaith Scholarship / August 2019
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Transfer Scholarship / August 2017
EXPECTATIONS & PLANS
EXPECTANCY SHEET
UNIT PLAN
-| Coming Soon |-
LESSON PLANS
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
I am pleased to introduce Taylor Griffith and share her considerable teaching skills with any prospective school and/or district. I have been supporting Taylor for the 2019-2020 school year in my role as a supervisor for the University of Arizona in their teacher credentialing program.
Taylor is currently working in a high school US History class at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix, AZ. She has been embedded in the class since the first day of school, giving her a unique perspective into the teacher’s role by working daily with her mentor teacher to start the school year, establish rules/procedures and classroom culture, and building rapport with students. In this particular placement, Taylor has had the opportunity to participate in weekly lesson planning with her peers, and has had an exceptional model in her mentor teacher.
I have observed Taylor on many occasions throughout the school year and have seen tremendous growth since August. Taylor developed poise and confidence as the year progressed; she has built positive relationships with students as she assumed increasing responsibilities within the classroom. One of her goals this year was to increase student participation in class discussions; with the combined use of engaging curriculum, personal stories, and skillful use of probing questions, I have observed the level of student participation triple in just one semester.
Taylor is extremely adept at developing comprehensive units of study that contain a variety of materials and presentation tools while including cross-curricular components that support quality student work product. Her recent unit on World War II included a lesson on analyzing political speeches that incorporated original sources via video and taught elements of speeches in anticipation of the students own written speeches as their final work product/assessment.
I feel that Taylor is well prepared for the many responsibilities of teaching, and I strongly recommend her for a full time position for the 2020-2021 school year. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have regarding Taylor’s abilities; I am available by cell phone or email at your convenience.