I am a recent graduate of Binghamton University where I majored in History, Philosophy and minored in Environmental Studies. Currently, I am a student in a Masters program at Columbia University Teachers College where I am studying Social Studies education. I am also currently midway through completing the necessary components to earn my New York State Teaching certification.

I have a passion for working with students which is why I am pursuing an advanced degree in the teaching field. I am currently Student Teaching in East Harlem where I am teaching 10th grade students global history. Although history is a large portion of what I teach on a daily basis, I also focus on reading and writing skills since many of my students are below grade level at this point.

In order to motivate my students I employ various tactics to differentiate my instruction. Firstly, it is vital that students can relate to the subject which they are struggling with; otherwise it becomes tedious and irrelevant for them to learn. History is a topic which lends itself to being able to draw parallels to modern day society. By using comparisons to my students lives I am able to engage them in the subject and provide them with the capacity to learn the material.

Writing and reading are also challenges for students I am currently working with or have taught in the past. I believe firmly in what I call "text coding." I encourage my students to read through a passage and underline words they are unfamiliar with and then rephrase many sections of the writing in their own words. This allows students to break down a text in a way which will allow them to understand the meaning and also grammatical aspects of the literature.

There are many other methods which I use to teach, but one which is very important is the notion that practice makes perfect! If students can fall into a pattern they feel comfortable with then they will gain skills and knowledge that they need to succeed.

I love working with students of all ages and helping them to reach their potential, otherwise I would not be studying to become a teacher! I am patient, understanding and truly believe that no question should go unanswered.