Photography
Avid Reader
Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
Backpacking and Hiking
Gym Workouts
Joseph Cameron Gurganus
Leeds
Summary
Secondary English Education candidate with a strong foundation in middle school English Language Arts instruction and classroom practice. Experienced in lesson planning, student centered discussion, differentiation, and classroom management through multiple supervised field placements and an active internship. Committed to literacy development, structured instruction, and creating engaging, supportive learning environments for diverse learners.
Experienced with classroom management techniques and instructional support. Utilizes innovative lesson planning to enhance student engagement and comprehension. Knowledge of creating inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse student needs.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Teacher Intern
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
- Planned and implemented standards aligned English Language Arts lessons using Universal Design for Learning principles to support varied learning needs. Applied differentiation strategies through small group instruction, scaffolded activities, and targeted feedback. Assisted with classroom management routines and supported student engagement through discussion based instruction and collaborative learning activities. Worked closely with mentor teacher to assess student work, adjust instruction based on data, and reflect on instructional practice.
- Middle School English Language Arts
Field Placement Student
Minor Middle School
- Observed and supported instruction while conducting an ethnology focused observation paper examining classroom culture, student interaction, and instructional routines. Analyzed teaching strategies used to guide students through reading and writing tasks and to support academic discussion. Assisted students during reading and writing activities and gained experience observing assessment practices, classroom management strategies, and daily instructional routines at the middle school level.
- Sixth Grade English Language Arts
Field Placement Student
South Hampton Middle School
- Participated in classroom observation and instructional support during English Language Arts lessons. Assisted with group work, monitored student engagement, and supported classroom organization. Observed lesson pacing, behavior management strategies, and methods for supporting literacy development in a diverse classroom setting.
- Middle School English Language Arts
Field Placement Student
McAdory High School
- Supported lesson planning and classroom instruction for secondary English students. Assisted with student discussions, writing activities, and assessment preparation. Observed instructional approaches across grade levels and gained experience working with older secondary students in a structured academic environment.
- High School English Language Arts
Intern
01.2026 - Current
- Classroom Instruction and Support
Planned and delivered English Language Arts lessons for middle school students under the guidance of a cooperating teacher. Led whole class instruction, small group activities, and individual student support. Modeled clear expectations, academic language, and respectful classroom routines. - Lesson Planning and Curriculum Alignment
Designed lesson plans aligned to Alabama Course of Study standards. Adapted instruction to meet diverse learner needs through scaffolding, modeling, and guided practice. Integrated reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills into daily instruction. - edTPA Planning and Implementation
Developed an edTPA learning segment that included clear learning objectives, aligned assessments, and instructional strategies grounded in student needs. Collected and analyzed student work samples to evaluate learning and inform instructional decisions. Reflected on teaching effectiveness and adjusted instruction based on evidence of student understanding. - Assessment and Data Use
Used formative and informal assessments such as exit tickets, questioning, and writing tasks to monitor student progress. Reviewed assessment data to identify skill gaps and plan targeted instruction. Supported students in demonstrating growth in reading comprehension and written response. - ACAP Test Preparation
Prepared students to excel on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program through explicit instruction in reading strategies, writing responses, and test aligned question formats. Reinforced skills such as analyzing texts, citing evidence, and responding to multiple choice and constructed response questions. Helped students build confidence and stamina for standardized testing. - Classroom Management and Student Engagement
Supported a positive learning environment by reinforcing expectations and maintaining consistent routines. Engaged students through discussion, collaborative activities, and structured practice. Assisted with transitions, behavior support, and redirection as needed. - Professional Collaboration
Worked closely with the cooperating teacher to plan lessons, reflect on instruction, and support daily classroom operations. Communicated professionally with school staff and followed school policies and procedures. Demonstrated reliability, preparation, and willingness to learn through feedback and observation.
Volunteer
Community Church Presbyterian
12.2025 - Current
- Youth Instruction and Mentorship
Planned and taught age appropriate lessons for youth that emphasized character development, critical thinking, and responsible decision making. Led small group and large group discussions to support student understanding and engagement. Built trusting relationships with youth through consistent presence and guidance. - Lesson Planning and Facilitation
Created structured lessons with clear objectives, guided activities, and reflection components. Adapted instruction to meet the emotional, social, and developmental needs of youth. Used discussion, real life scenarios, and interactive activities to reinforce key ideas. - Counseling and Student Support
Provided one on one and small group counseling support focused on personal challenges, peer relationships, and decision making. Practiced active listening and maintained appropriate boundaries while offering guidance and encouragement. Referred youth to additional support when concerns extended beyond the scope of the role. - Drug and Substance Abuse Education
Delivered age appropriate instruction on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. Facilitated honest discussions about peer pressure, long term consequences, and healthy alternatives. Encouraged critical thinking and informed choices through real world examples and dialogue. - Classroom and Group Management
Maintained a safe, respectful, and structured environment during youth activities. Established clear expectations and routines to support positive behavior. Managed group dynamics and addressed conflicts calmly and constructively. - Professional Collaboration and Responsibility
Worked collaboratively with other youth leaders to plan lessons and coordinate activities. Communicated responsibly with parents and supervisors when appropriate. Demonstrated reliability, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - High School Education, Language Arts
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - English, Literature
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama05.2026
Skills
- Universal Design for Learning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Small Group and Collaborative Learning
- Discussion Based Instruction
- Standards Aligned Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management Support
- Data Informed Instruction
- Microsoft Word
- PowerPoint
- Canvas
- Schoology
- Instructional strategies
- Collaborative teaching
- Literacy development
- Diverse learners support
- Project-based learning
- Special education
- Teaching philosophy
- Differentiated instruction
- Classroom management
- Technology integration
- Student needs assessment
- Attention to detail
- Positive learning environment
- Diversity and inclusion
Certification
- Alabama Class B Teacher Certification (in progress)
- English Language Arts
- Praxis Exam: Passed
- EdTPA: In progress
Interests
Timeline
Intern
01.2026 - Current
Volunteer
Community Church Presbyterian
12.2025 - Current
Student Teacher Intern
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
Field Placement Student
Minor Middle School
Field Placement Student
South Hampton Middle School
Field Placement Student
McAdory High School
Bachelor of Arts - English, Literature
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor of Science - High School Education, Language Arts
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Honors and Scholarships
Tevendale Family Scholarship, Artie Manning Memorial Scholarship
Additional Relevant Experience
- Youth Group and Bible Study Instruction
- Planned and taught structured lessons for youth groups and peer led Bible studies. Facilitated discussion, guided small groups, and adapted instruction to meet varying age levels and learning needs. Developed skills in lesson organization, communication, and student engagement outside of traditional classroom settings.