Sydney Van Fossen

710 Westover Drive Staunton, VA 24401 540-292-3184 sev001@eagles.bridgewater.edu

Professional Profile
Elementary School Teacher focused on implementing highly effective instructional practice to improve learning
and academic performance for all students. Innovative and resourceful possessing strategic classroom
management skills. Genuinely desires to help students be their best academically.
Education
B.S. in Liberal Studies, Elementary Teaching Pk-6 May 2016
Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA
GPA 3.2 Deans List McKinney Ace Scholarship Emily Miller Wise Scholarship
Related Courses
Teaching Educational Psychology Diversity in the Classroom Teaching Math Early and Intermediate Literacy
Classroom Management Curriculum and Instruction Child Growth and Development Adolescent
Development Teaching Writing Grammar, Style, and Editing Literature for Children American Sign Language
Teaching Experience
Student Teacher
McSwain Elementary School, Staunton, VA Jan 2016-present
Third Grade. Observing and assisting cooperating teacher for assuming total classroom control. Create and
implement lessons using different teaching methods, attend events like Family fun Night, faculty meetings, and
parent-teacher conferences. Will learn more about lessons on different subjects, maintain classroom through
interesting and focused instruction, and gain understanding of teaching in different stages of child development.
Teacher Practicum
Kindergarten Clymore Elementary School, Fort Defiance, VA Jan 2016
Classroom immersion in preparation for student teaching. Learned classroom routine, management skills, and
teaching techniques. Taught two full lessons and lead class under teachers observation. Ran Calendar Time,
taught three reading groups with differentiated instruction, and attended faculty meetings and teacher work days.
Teacher Field Experiences
Curriculum and Instruction
Classroom Management
Early Literacy Book Buddies
Diversity in the Classroom

Third Grade McSwain Elementary, Staunton, VA Fall 2015

First Grade John Wayland Elementary, Harrisonburg, VA Spring 2015
First Grade Mountain View Elementary, Harrisonburg, VA Fall 2014
Kindergarten Waterman Elementary, Harrisonburg, VA Spring 2014

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Friendship House, Bridgewater, VA Aug 2014Dec 2015
Taught basic fine motor skills such as writing, cutting, gluing, manipulating toys. Taught basic math with counting,
pattern recognition, weather, calendar, days of the week, and months of the year. Worked on character
development and content knowledge such as winter animals, fruits, vegetables, and holidays.
Vice President
Future Educators of Bridgewater College May 2014Dec 2015
Created professional development opportunities for members. Grew membership from five to twenty-four.
Planned and orchestrated Octoberfest, a family-friendly Halloween event with over sixty children in attendance.
Collegiate Activity
Academic Coach
Office of Academic Support JanDec 2015
Helped struggling students to improve understanding of subject matter. Adapted coaching to each student.
Student Ambassador
Office of Admissions 2014-2015
Took prospective students and their families on tours of the campus. Talk about campus life.
Points of Interest

Retail Sales Associate for gourmet chocolate company, Cocoa Mill Chocolatier, Staunton, VA Jul 2011-Jan 2016
Camp Counselor for elementary aged campers at Staunton-Augusta YMCA, Staunton, VA Summers 2012-2015
Supervised elementary-aged children. Created and facilitated large group games and activities.

Camp Mentor for the All Gods Children Camp, Westview on the James, Goochland, VA
Graduated Cum Laude at Robert E. Lee High School in 2012 located in Staunton, VA
Traveled abroad on a mission trip to Guatemala and helped build a church