Amy M. Higgins
Spanish/English Teacher
Slaughter,USA
Summary
My career objective is to teach Spanish in a high school where I can implement innovative teaching strategies that enable students to interact and explore the Spanish language and culture.
I am experienced with developing comprehensive lesson plans that cater to various learning styles. Utilizes interactive teaching methods to maintain student interest and facilitate language acquisition. Knowledge of effective classroom management techniques to create positive and productive learning environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Spanish Teacher
Zachary Community Schools – Zachary , LA
Zachary, LA
08.2017 - Current
- Increased student's English test scores by 14% through private tutoring and special attention.
- Created new lesson plans based on course objectives.
- Organized grade records to increase reference speed.
- Enforced the Fluency System program with grades 5-6 (Copper Mill Elem School) and grades 9-12 (Zachary High School) increasing student development and fluency.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to promote active participation in language learning.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student comprehension of Spanish language and culture.
- Enthusiasm for learning Spanish.
- Developed Kindle programs through Nearpod to work with students and increase interest in higher learning.
- Documented student attendance and progress against goals.
- Planned, implemented, monitored, and assessed a classroom instructional program which was deeply connected with that of the Louisiana State Department goals for the teaching of foreign language.
- Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.
7th Grade English/Language Arts Teacher
West Feliciana School Board – Saint Francisville , LA
Saint Francisville, LA
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Modified the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
Spanish I and II, Credit Recovery, Read 180
East Feliciana Parish School Board – East Feliciana High School
11.2010 - 07.2016
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
- Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning.
- Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals.
- Created lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards.
- Created an interactive classroom atmosphere to maintain student interest and facilitate learning.
- Created engaging and dynamic lessons with an emphasis on improving students' written and verbal communication skills.
- Identified areas of weakness with individual students and tailored lessons accordingly.
- Graded student work and kept careful records of grades.
Spanish I and 8th Grade English Teacher
Rapides Parish School Board – Oak Hill High School
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
- Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning.
- Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals.
- Created lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards.
- Graded student work and kept careful records of grades.
Spanish I Teacher
St. Tammany Parish School Board – Northshore High School
08.2004 - 06.2005
- Acted as a positive role model for students and colleagues.
- Identified areas of weakness with individual students and tailored lessons accordingly.
- Created lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards.
- Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning.
Spanish I/II Teacher
St. Scholastica Academy – Catholic Diocese, Covington , LA
Covington, LA
01.2004 - 05.2004
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
- Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
- Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals.
- Created an interactive classroom atmosphere to maintain student interest and facilitate learning.
- Identified areas of weakness with individual students and tailored lessons accordingly.
- Pursued professional development activities to broaden and deepen knowledge of content and teaching skills.
Spanish Teacher
Livingston Parish School Board – Live Oak High School
08.1997 - 12.2003
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
- Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning.
- Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals.
- Created lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards.
- Created an interactive classroom atmosphere to maintain student interest and facilitate learning.
- Organized social and educational activities for students and their families including sponsoring the Spanish Club.
Spanish/English teacher
East Baton Rouge Parish School System – Belaire High School
08.1996 - 06.1997
- Established clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects.
- Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning.
- Communicated with peers, colleagues, administrators, and parents to meet and exceed teaching goals.
- Created lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards.
- Created engaging and dynamic lessons with an emphasis on improving students' written and verbal communication skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA12-1995
Skills
- In-depth knowledge of Louisiana Foreign Language state standards
- Familiar with behavioral disorders
- Louisiana Teaching Certificate B088606
- Behavior management techniques
- Certified in Spanish and English grades 6-12
- Purposeful lesson planning expert
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable Work History
- Adaptability to change
- Classroom instruction
- Discipline management
Timeline
Spanish Teacher
Zachary Community Schools – Zachary , LA
08.2017 - Current
7th Grade English/Language Arts Teacher
West Feliciana School Board – Saint Francisville , LA
06.2016 - 01.2017
Spanish I and II, Credit Recovery, Read 180
East Feliciana Parish School Board – East Feliciana High School
11.2010 - 07.2016
Spanish I and 8th Grade English Teacher
Rapides Parish School Board – Oak Hill High School
08.2006 - 06.2007
Spanish I Teacher
St. Tammany Parish School Board – Northshore High School
08.2004 - 06.2005
Spanish I/II Teacher
St. Scholastica Academy – Catholic Diocese, Covington , LA
01.2004 - 05.2004
Spanish Teacher
Livingston Parish School Board – Live Oak High School
08.1997 - 12.2003
Spanish/English teacher
East Baton Rouge Parish School System – Belaire High School
08.1996 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Arts -
Northwestern State University
Cover Letter/Philosophy of Teaching
I have wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. I can remember constantly shadowing my father, who was a school administrator, to various school functions and games. It is almost like it was ingrained in me at an early age, so I followed my instincts and became a teacher.
My personal belief is that each one of my students is unique and has talents, seen and unseen, that can accelerate his/her academic career. I also believe it is important to provide a safe, yet stimulating environment where students feel comfortable in expressing ideas and actively participating in classroom activities on a daily basis.
A foreign language class can be intimidating, and providing an environment that is conducive to learning is key to a successful outcome. I believe that keeping students motivated is one of the most important elements in a foreign language classroom.
My personal style of teaching incorporates a reward system for participation and good behavior. On a daily basis I include technology, enthusiasm, personal experiences and a continuous smile! I also think that my cultural and educational experiences in Mexico enhance my ability to connect students to real-life situations in another country.
These connections will spark more interest and curiosity in Latin-American cultures, and of course, in the Spanish language.
Since I am certified in English and Spanish, I have the ability to explain complex grammar concepts in both English and Spanish.
In my daily classes, we begin with a "CAMPANITA" or Bell Ringer. This will review a concept we just covered, test a specific skill, or challenge students on new content. We follow with a lesson of new knowledge that connects older material with the newer material.
We then follow up with partner and/or group work, interactive web activities, and speak the target language in skits and dialogues. I strive on a daily basis to show my students how passionate I am about Spanish.