Cover Letter
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Kristen Dyksterhouse
5154 Abrahams Dr. NE
Lowell, MI 49331
(616)-570-1968
[email protected]
Lowell, MI 49331
(616)-570-1968
[email protected]
OBJECTIVE
To obtain a teaching position where I can share my creative enthusiasm for mathematics and English by engaging learners in diverse learning experiences that are practical, meaningful, and help scaffold them in building 21st century literacy, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
EDUCATION
Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
Bachelor of Science April 2012
Major: Mathematics; Minor: English GPA: 3.75
Certification:
Michigan Provisional Certificate: Secondary mathematics and English (6th-12th) April 2012
First Aid & CPR April 2012
Bachelor of Science April 2012
Major: Mathematics; Minor: English GPA: 3.75
Certification:
Michigan Provisional Certificate: Secondary mathematics and English (6th-12th) April 2012
First Aid & CPR April 2012
EMPLOYMENT AND EXPERIENCE
Teaching Experience
Belding Area Schools Belding, MI
Long-Term 6th Grade Math and English/Language Arts Substitute May 2012 to Present
Long-Term 6th Grade Math and English/Language Arts Substitute May 2012 to Present
- Use data collected through formative and summative assessments to drive instruction and maximize student growth and achievement
- Create and implement project-based learning activities, differentiated lesson plans, and problem solving investigations that align with Belding Area Schools' curriculum and the Common Core National Standards, and that fit within the framework of No Child Left Behind
- Accommodate learners of various achievement levels by blending best practices with modern tools and resources, modifying learning activities, and practicing equity, which allows for unique, creative approaches to the curricula
Northview Public Schools Grand Rapids, MI
Title I Math Interventionist February 2012 to Present
Title I Math Interventionist February 2012 to Present
- Help students remediate their deficits in mathematics, using data collected through formative and summative assessments to track growth and drive instruction
- Analyze data collected from each learner’s SMI (Scholastic Math Inventory) Test score in accordance with the their grade level to target strengths and weaknesses, maximize learning, and close achievement gaps
- Prepare middle school learners of varying ability for the Scholastic Math Inventory Test
Crossroads Middle School/Northview Public Schools Grand Rapids, MI
Student Teaching January 2012 to April 2012
Student Teaching January 2012 to April 2012
- Collaborated with administration and staff on furthering the 21st Century learning model, blending progressive pedagogy with modern tools and resources
- Created and implemented differentiated lesson plans, inquiry based activities, and problem solving investigations that aligned with Northview’s curriculum and the Common Core National Standards
- Executed best practices by employing project-based learning and balanced literacy in a flipped classroom
Caledonia High School Caledonia, MI
Student Assisting September 2011 to December 2011
Student Assisting September 2011 to December 2011
- Implemented project-based learning and embraced technology to maximize student growth and understanding
- Produced and implemented assorted and reproducible lesson plans, summative assessments, and group investigations that aligned with Caledonia High School’s curriculum and the Common Core National Standards
- Compared and analyzed student data gathered from pre-tests and post tests to track growth and progression, assess the effectiveness of current instruction, and adapt the current curricula to meet new academic goals
Forest Hills Eastern High Schools Ada, MI
Problem Based Learning August 2010 to December 2010
Problem Based Learning August 2010 to December 2010
- Developed, implemented, and planned weekly activities and assessments to meet the needs of individual learners
- Educated using student-centered lesson plans for each classroom activity
- Facilitated group work to focus and engage students
Coit Arts Academy Grand Rapids, MI
Tutor/Mentor January 2009 to May 2009
Tutor/Mentor January 2009 to May 2009
- Provided a safe, positive learning environment, while following teachers’ lesson plans
- Demonstrated adaptability to diverse classroom settings
- Planned and implemented lessons that taught special needs students
- Established lasting relationships with students by providing encouragement, enthusiasm, and personal interest in each of their lives
Lowell High School Lowell, MI
Geometry and Calculus I Tutor/Classroom Assistant October 2009 to December 2009
- Established procedures to maintain a safe and organized learning environment
- Assisted the classroom teacher with a variety of tasks and lessons
- Worked with small groups and individuals to increase student comprehension and enthusiasm in math
Grand Rapids First Assembly of God Wyoming, MI
Pre-Service Teacher, Nursey-6th Grade June 2003 to January 2012
Pre-Service Teacher, Nursey-6th Grade June 2003 to January 2012
- Planned, organized, and taught a variety of Sunday School activities
- Planned, organized, and taught Summer Bible School Camps
- Participated in Sunday School Teacher meetings
Related Experience
Williams Furniture Grand Rapids, MI
Administrative Assistant August 2007 to Present
Administrative Assistant August 2007 to Present
- Assist customers with questions and concerns
- Inventory & accounts receivable
- Data entry
- Financing
PUBLICATIONS
Math in the Libraries December 2012
Mathematics aligned with Common Core National Standards for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, & 9-10
Mathematics aligned with Common Core National Standards for K-2, 3-5, 6-8, & 9-10
- “All About Me” – K-2
- “Skeletal Symmetry” – 3-5
- “Tangrams” – 6-8
- “Math Around the World” – 9-10
Adventures with Mathematics: Climbing from Grade 7 to Grade 8 December 2010
Mathematics aligned with MI-GLCEs for Grade 7 & Grade 8
Mathematics aligned with MI-GLCEs for Grade 7 & Grade 8
- “Kite Conundrum"
- “Let's Go Fly a Kite"
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
- Cheerleading; Student Council; Community Service/Involvement; Math Club; and Event Coordination
- Game Theory: using board games, television game shows, and electronic gaming devices to explore mathematics and enhance problem solving abilities. Also, creating games and activities with learners as we investigate and discover mathematical patterns.
- Technology: Classroom Website, Classroom Blog, Podcasting, Mathematical Programs/Websites, etc. I enjoy implementing a digital, professional learning community where learners can reflect, ask questions, seek help, and start discussions on personal interests. Further, parents and administrators can see what learners are doing in class and how they are progressing. The digital community gives everyone a chance to speak and share their insights.
HONORS
- Math In Action 2012-Conference Presenter
- Dean’s List – Grand Valley State University
- Dean’s List- Grand Rapids Community College
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Family Math Night at Muskegon Heights- Math Themed Activity Leader 2011 to 2012
- Grand Rapids First- Volunteer Central Community Volunteer 2007 to Present
- Big Brothers Big Sisters- Mentor 2010 to 2011
- Second Harvest Gleaners- Food Bank Volunteer 2009
- Abundant Life Ministries- Food Bank Volunteer 2004 to 2005
- Convoy of Hope-Volunteer 2003
- Joy Youth Center- Volunteer/Tutor 2002 to 2003
COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
GradeQuick; Skyward; Infinite Campus; Microsoft Office Programs; Internet Research; Maple; R-Statistics; Furniture Wizard; Quick Books; Website Design; WebQuests; Handheld Computers; Elmo (document camera); Microsoft Publisher; SmartBoard; Clickers; Digital Camera; GeoGebra; Geometer's Sketchpad; Wolfram Alpha; CD Player; IPOD; IPAD; Ed Modo; Blogging; VHS; DVD; Copy Machines; Graphing Calculators; and Components for a Virtual Classroom