8.3.12

Laura Deren Teaching Portfolio

My name is Laura Deren and I am currently looking to secure a position as a social studies educator.  I am certified to teach secondary social studies in New York state, however I am eager and willing to relocate if a job opportunity presented itself.  I have student teaching experience at the eighth, tenth and twelfth grade levels, in both suburban and urban school districts.

I developed a deep respect and love for education at a young age.  While in High School I achieved my Girl Scout Gold Award through the development of a literacy program and children’s library in an inner-city church within my community.  Through this experience I was able to see firsthand the positive role that education can have on a young person’s life and I became committed to the idea that every child has the ability to learn when given access to the right type of instruction and resources.

As an undergraduate student at the University at Buffalo I majored in History with a focused minor in secondary education.  During this time I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy.  While living in Italy my passion for history grew and I feel that this experience has shaped me as an educator, as I strive to make history come alive for my students just as it did for me while studying abroad.

I was able to further develop my teaching practices and skills by student teaching in two different school districts, during which I was committed to the notion that every student has the ability to learn and be successful.  Throughout both placements I had the opportunity to work with and learn from a variety of different educators and through their support and guidance as well as my own diligence and creativity I worked to ensure that all of my students needs were being met.   In the future I hope to continue to work with other educators and perfect my craft as a teacher.   
 
It is my goal to combine my range of experience with my ability to be an energetic, creative and intelligent teacher who will make a positive contribution to the field of education.  I would welcome the opportunity to interview and hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
Laura Deren