JESSICA KEVAN

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
DEPAUL UNIVERSITY, Chicago, IL Master of Elementary Education (2011) 3.90/4.0 GPA LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO, Chicago, IL Bachelor of Arts in English, cum laude (2007) 3.63/4.0 GPA

CERTIFICATION
ILLINOIS INITIAL ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATION TYPE 03 (2013) Middle School Language Arts Endorsement, expected March 2013 NCLB Highly Qualified in self-contained general education, grades K-5

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Student Teacher CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL BUCKTOWN, Chicago, IL Grades 3 and 4 Combined, Accelerated/Enriched Spring 2011

Developed and implemented lesson and unit plans in all subject areas, including Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Character Education. Regularly modified curricular content to meet the needs of gifted, multi-age, and culturally diverse young learners. Created and delivered a month-long unit of study featuring Lucy Calkins methods of teaching and learning writing. Facilitated daily writing workshop lessons during which individuals, pairs, and small groups of students worked to develop, edit, and publish original pieces of realistic fiction. Collaborated with grade-level teaching team to develop an original Social Studies unit. Integrated inquirybased research projects and project-based assessments to enhance curricular content and establish accelerated/enriched-level challenges and standards. Provided differentiated instruction by facilitating student-led teaching activities, peer mentoring and coaching opportunities, and one-on-one conferences on a daily basis. Consistently applied both formative and summative assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and achievement of defined objectives. Used assessment data to inform instructional decisions, both in the moment and in long-term planning, based on evidence of student learning. Frequently planned and managed lessons involving instructional technology, including PowerPoint presentations, webcams, podcasts, audio and video recordings, internet-based research activities, online learning workshops, and online publishing software. Actively participated in parent-teacher conferences and received positive feedback from both parents and students. Two-time Faculty Member of the Week award nominee.

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RELATED TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Salaried Online NCLB/SES and Freelance College Tutor EDUWIZARDS March 2012-Present

Use WizIQ online learning software to provide web-based supplemental instruction to at-risk elementary and college-level students in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Communicate with students, parents, and educators to conduct in-depth initial assessments and identify the specific strengths, interests, areas of concern, and goals of each student. Develop and implement individualized learning plans featuring innovative methods of instruction to promote the achievement of designated benchmarks and goals. Frequently incorporate opportunities for students to make meaningful, personal, and tangible connections with curricular content based on information derived from initial and ongoing assessments. Create and submit official post-session assessment reports to document evidence of student learning and achievement of specific lesson objectives and goals as demonstrated and recorded during each instructional session. Hold five out of five-star student rating for overall instructional effectiveness. Students and parents consistently report significant improvement in grades, skills, and abilities in targeted subject areas, as well as levels of self-confidence, motivation, and self-esteem.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Mentor HOOKED ON BOOKS PROGRAM, Chicago, IL Winter 2010

Mentored a third grade student member of West Garfield Park's Off The Streets Club during a collaborative literacy project to enhance the personal libraries of socioeconomically disadvantaged urban students. Engaged with student on several occasions to conduct initial literary assessments and determine current reading level, skills, abilities, and concerns, as well as personal and literary interests. Prepared a unique selection of high-quality, engaging, appropriate literature for the student to use as a guide while making personal library purchases at upcoming Kaplan-sponsored Barnes and Noble event. Accompanied student to event and provided guidance during the selection of literature. Promoted selections which afforded opportunities to develop critical literacy skills and make meaningful text connections across multiple literary genres.

AWARDS AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Deans List Scholar, Loyola University Chicago, Spring 2003 Member, National Council of Teachers of English Member, Partnership Cohort Program, DePaul University School of Education, 2009-2011 Member, Beta Gamma Sigma, International Business Honor Society, Delta of Illinois Chapter, DePaul University