Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Laurie Van Wert

Fairfield,CA

Summary

Dynamic educator with 28 years of experience, including AP training and 12 years teaching experience teaching AP Language and Composition and AP Literature. Proven assessment expertise as an AP College Board Reader, achieving student engagement reflected in scores 30% above national averages. Skilled in project-based learning and fostering multicultural sensitivity, enhancing learning for diverse second language learners. Love of language and literature provides a caring environment that encourages and embraces all student's individuality and uniqueness.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

English Teacher

St. Patrick's /St. Vincent's High School
08.2018 - Current

I have taught AP Language and Composition, Honors English II and College Prep English for 8 years at this high school.

  • I have implemented creating and engaging lessons that I have acquired over my 28 years of teaching that enable all of my students to go to the next level of their individual language development.
  • My students are encouraged and therefore produce confidence in their writing and reading skills.
  • The teaching of rhetoric and analysis is strongly and thoroughly taught through a variety of methods and strategies that work.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
  • Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.

English Teacher

Napa Community College
09.2017 - 06.2018
  • Taught English 120 which is a required entry level Freshman class
  • Taught research skills and development implementing the aspects involved in producing a college level research paper.
  • Taught rhetoric reading, writing, listening and speaking skills at the college level strongly emphasizing all aspects of argument and persuasion.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding and retention of English literature/language concepts.
  • Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and improve classroom engagement.
  • Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.


English Teacher

Jesse Bethel High School (Vallejo Unified School District)
08.2013 - 06.2018
  • Taught AP Language and Composition, AP Literature, College Prep English to Seniors and Psychology elective classes.
  • Was encouraged and became the English Department Chair and set up meetings, meeting content and organized writing evaluation groups with staff to bring up writing skills addressing the challenges that face students that reside in urban environments.
  • Became to Honor Society Advisor for the school for 5 years.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
  • Implemented diverse instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles and needs.
  • Facilitated classroom discussions that fostered critical thinking and effective communication among students.
  • Assessed student performance through formative and summative evaluations to inform instructional adjustments.

Education

Master of Arts - English- Literature & TESL

California Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona CA
03-2007

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With An English Minor

California Polytechnic State University Pomona
Pomona, CA
06-1997

Associate of Arts - Behavioral Science

Citrus Community College
Glendora, CA
06-1994

Skills

  • AP Training/Teaching Experience
  • Assessment Expertise- AP College Board Reader in AP Language and Composition for 8 years
  • Extensive Teaching Experience in ELD/ESL ( EL Coordinator at 2 middle schools (2005-2011)
  • Multicultural sensitivity - experience with Second Language Learners from various cultural backgrounds as well as several positions teaching to students from diverse environments
  • Subject Matter Expertise - AP trainings and implementation of materials used in rhetoric and literature classes ( 9-12)
  • Project-based learning - Model Training and Teaching Experience (Napa New Tech High -PBL HS 2007-2008)
  • Student engagement - Reflected in 80 - 95% AP Scores obtained (30 % above the national and state level scores)
  • 28 years of experience teaching to all grade levels 7-12
  • Community College level teaching experience teaching English 120
  • Peer collaboration - Developed and implemented afterschool reading programs for middle school EL students ( 1999 - 2005)

Accomplishments

ESL volunteer: teaching adults English in a ministry designed to reach out to the community and parents of EL Learners.


Published in Language Magazine for a review of an ESL book entitled,

Quality ESL Programs: An Administrators Guide by Judith Simons and Mark Connelly ( January edition 2004 ).


Volunteer ministry for "Champions" club : a ministry that provides childcare for children with special needs ( 2025 -present ).


AP Reader for College Board - 8 consecutive years.


Collaboration and implementation of afterschool reading programs for EL students.

Interests

  • Horseback Riding
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
  • Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
  • Volunteering
  • Hiking
  • Creative Writing
  • Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness

Timeline

English Teacher

St. Patrick's /St. Vincent's High School
08.2018 - Current

English Teacher

Napa Community College
09.2017 - 06.2018

English Teacher

Jesse Bethel High School (Vallejo Unified School District)
08.2013 - 06.2018

Master of Arts - English- Literature & TESL

California Polytechnic University Pomona

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology With An English Minor

California Polytechnic State University Pomona

Associate of Arts - Behavioral Science

Citrus Community College
Laurie Van Wert