Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Summary - Teaching Philosophy
Timeline
Generic
Open To Work

Maria Bratsolias Knowles

Historian/Educator
Evanston,IL

Work Preference

Work Type

Contract WorkPart TimeGig Work

Location Preference

RemoteHybrid

Summary

Dynamic teacher with a focus on creating secure classroom settings that empower students to participate actively. Implements clear classroom expectations and procedures, involving students in the rule-making process to foster accountability. Employs a variety of teaching strategies to engage different learning styles, promoting critical thinking. Effective communicator with a track record of building positive relationships with students and families.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher

Bright Horizons
Evanston
09.2012 - 05.2014
  • Acted as teacher in both Pre-School and Toddler classrooms.

Site Director-After School Program & Summer Camp

Longmont YMCA
Longmont
01.2009 - 01.2011
  • Directed after-school program and summer camp, enriching children's experiences through creative activities.
  • Maintained first aid and CPR certification to ensure participant safety and wellbeing.
  • Prioritized effective communication with parents and staff to build strong community relationships.

Secondary Humanities Teacher

Denver Arts and Technology Academy
Denver
07.2007 - 11.2008
  • Designed and implemented hands-on history curriculum for middle school humanities, accommodating diverse learning styles.
  • Led Student Council to promote student engagement and leadership development.
  • Contributed to admissions process, enhancing enrollment strategies.
  • Participated in professional development initiatives to improve literacy instruction across subjects.

Regional Coordinator

National History Day
Denver
11.2005 - 05.2006
  • Managed recruitment and training of judges for competition events.
  • Oversaw all logistical aspects of competition operations.

History Department's Staff Assistant

University of Colorado at Denver, History Department
Denver
08.2003 - 12.2005
  • Supported faculty and enhanced departmental efficiency at University of Colorado at Denver's History Department.
  • Managed book orders for each term, ensuring timely availability of resources.
  • Performed various office duties to facilitate smooth departmental operations.
  • Assisted professors during classes to create a seamless educational experience for students.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Colorado Denver-History Department
Denver
01.2004 - 12.2004
  • Assisted in two undergraduate courses by managing assignment grading and student records.
  • Conducted office hours to provide academic support for students.
  • Promoted an engaging learning atmosphere that encouraged student interaction.
  • Enhanced communication skills while deepening understanding of historical topics.

Assistant Teacher

Montessori at the Marina
Greenwood Village
06.2000 - 12.2001
  • Supported educational initiatives for kindergarten through sixth grade students at Montessori at the Marina.
  • Co-taught with lead teachers to deliver comprehensive lesson plans.
  • Independently managed an upper-level summer class, focusing on assignment corrections and project planning.
  • Contributed to before and after-school programs to boost student engagement and learning opportunities.

Education

Masters - United States Cultural, Social,Women's History

University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO
01.2007

B.A. - History

University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO
01.2003

Some College (No Degree) - History

The University of Montana
Missoula, MT

Skills

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Child development
  • Effective communication

Languages

  • Greek
  • Spanish

Summary - Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy for the classroom contains three key elements: Safe learning environment, expectations and procedures, integrative teaching. In order for a child to learn, they must feel safe in their classroom setting. More specifically, students must feel empowered to open up and participate without the fear of repercussion. It is important to create a safe and warm learning environment so that students do not feel alienated and can equally contribute in the classroom. I believe that students who are actively involved in the classroom are more apt, not only to retain what they learn but, to help create an environment that allows for the highest degree of learning. By ensuring that every child feels secure in the classroom, the desire to learn and succeed is generated. In addition, teachers should set clear classroom expectations and procedures. Teachers should also solicit students input when creating class rules and expectations. By making students a part of the process they are invested to take ownership of their behavior, learning, and expectations. Teachers should then encourage and remind students of these goals and responsibilities often to maintain a sense of collaboration, respect, and routine. Students should be stretched to grow and learn as much as possible. By making expectations clear, students understand proper procedures and how to interact in their classroom. Finally, teachers should incorporate an integrative teaching style into their lesson plans. By giving students a variety of interesting activities and work, teachers can address diverse learning styles, and keep their students engaged. More importantly, varying activities will encourage critical thinking and discovery for all.

Timeline

Teacher

Bright Horizons
09.2012 - 05.2014

Site Director-After School Program & Summer Camp

Longmont YMCA
01.2009 - 01.2011

Secondary Humanities Teacher

Denver Arts and Technology Academy
07.2007 - 11.2008

Regional Coordinator

National History Day
11.2005 - 05.2006

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Colorado Denver-History Department
01.2004 - 12.2004

History Department's Staff Assistant

University of Colorado at Denver, History Department
08.2003 - 12.2005

Assistant Teacher

Montessori at the Marina
06.2000 - 12.2001

Masters - United States Cultural, Social,Women's History

University of Colorado Denver

B.A. - History

University of Colorado Denver

Some College (No Degree) - History

The University of Montana
Maria Bratsolias KnowlesHistorian/Educator
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