Personal Thoughts

So, with graduation approaching soon, I am starting to think about what to do next. As of now I am considering staying around the area and teaching for a bit. I am then considering maybe working for the Department of Defense as a teacher overseas. I can't believe I am almost ready to go out into the real world. The only thing I know for sure is that where ever I go, I want to teach! Any thoughts about what I should do?

Learning Journal

This week in teaching it occurred to me that children need a lot of love and attention. When they know that you care about them and want their best, they try their hardest to learn what you are teaching them. I am also learning that for those young students repetition is key when teaching new ideas. I often feel like I am saying the same thing over and over again, but it seems to work! Any thoughts?

"What's Happening"

The first graders that I am teaching right now are currently learning about singular and plural nouns. I am also teaching them how to write dialogue in a story. These students are fast learners and are picking up the concept really well. Next week they will be learning about special names and titles and will also be learning about how to ask and write good interview questions.

Practicum School

So this semester I am helping out at Bergman Elementary with a great group of first graders! It has been a great learning experience and I love my class so much. The school is also great. Here is their website if you would like to learn more about them: http://www.usd383.org/Schools/Elementary/Bergman/

Good Information

Here is some websites that are important to my life right now!
www.ksu.edu- My University website
www.usd383.org/Schools/Elementary/Bergman/Contact.aspx- My cooperating school's website
www.hopeautosalesinc.com- The website to my family's car dealership.

"Showcasing student work"

I know that it is important for families to be able to view their student's work. Therefore a created a blog to do just this. On this blog I will post one piece of work each month for each student in the class. The blogs address is as follows: http://aviarstudentwork.blogspot.com/

My Resume

Amanda Viar
aviar@ksu.edu

Objective

Seeking a Kindergarten-6^th grade or Middle School Math teaching position for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year where I can demonstrate my commitment to students becoming life-long learners.

Education

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS Anticipated May 2009

Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary

Math concentration Cumulative GPA: 3.87/4.0

Pursuing an Endorsement in Middle Level Math Education

Minor in Business

Pursuing an endorsement in Secondary Business Education

____________________________________________________________________________________

Relevant Experience

Practicum Experience, First Grade

September 2008-December 2008

Bergman Elementary School: Manhattan, KS

• Constructed a social studies unit over American celebrations and taught it to 17 students

• Helped with classroom management during the school day and monitored children during recess

• Assessed students reading abilities using DIBELS and devised a plan to help them improve their reading abilities

Clinical Experience, Third Grade January 2008-May 2008

Ware Elementary School: Fort Riley, KS

• Developed and taught guided discovery lesson plans for 14 students/ three math lessons and three science lessons

• Instructed and facilitated actively engaged students in learning activities

• Managed classroom environment and behavior

• Evaluated and assessed student learning and my own teaching practices based on individually made rubrics

Teacher Aide, Fourth Grade January 2007-May 2007

Amanda Arnold Elementary School: Manhattan, KS

•Observed and advised students with homework and in-class activities

•Assisted students in improving their reading skills by reading individually with students each day

•Guided learning during class assignments by asking students questions to provoke thought

•Supervised a group of 20 students during lunch and recess time

Camp Counselor August 2006

Joy of Living Ministries: Brinkhaven, OH

•Counseled and tutored a group of 12 middle school aged inner-city children

•Organized and planned group activities: night games, campout, hike, scavenger hunt

•Constructed and taught daily lessons on how to interact with each other

Activities & Professional Organizations

- Kansas National Education Association, Student Program 2007-current

• Active attendee of monthly meetings

• Contributed to multiple donation drives

- National Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2008-current

• Gained understanding of Principles & Standards for school mathematics

• Keeps me updated on the latest math resources

- National Society of Collegiate Scholars 2007-current

• Attended monthly meetings

• Provided with opportunities for professional growth

Amazing Website

I just found this really neat website that teachers can use in their classrooms. It is www.biguniverse.com. This is a site that allows students to create and publish a book online. It is very interactive and so much fun to use. I think it would get students excited about writing and it would be fun for them to create. I was so excited when I saw that my book had been published, so I know children would be too!

TT #3

Recipe: The Name Amanda

You Will Need: 1 mom, 1 dad, 1 list of bad names, song "Amanda" by Boston, 1 baby girl

How to Make:
1.) First you need a mom and a dad who are expecting a baby girl.
2.) The mother must pick out a lot of bad names that the father doesn't like.
3.) Boston comes out with a song entitled "Amanda" the week the child is born.
4.) Dad likes the song "Amanda"
5.) Baby is born and dad names her Amanda

Enjoy!!