Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Patterson

Sunnyvale,CA

Summary

Organized and dependable instructor with experience teaching American Sign Language (ASL) courses to students at secondary and post-secondary levels. Skilled in developing engaging curriculums and utilizing innovative teaching strategies to maintain an interactive learning environment. Effective at creating a safe and motivating learning environment for diverse students with various learning needs.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

American Sign Language Instructor

Santa Clara County Office of Education
08.2022 - 06.2024
  • Led online lessons of small groups of 2-7 and large classes of 35-45 students.
  • Developed course curriculum, lesson plans and supplemental materials to support student success.
  • Designed and administered assessments to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
  • Utilized various teaching methods, including technology and other interactive activities to enhance learning experience.
  • Organized detailed list of resources to help students go beyond classroom environments and delve into topics of interest.
  • Sourced optimal curricula and developed lesson plans to fully cover target material for each course.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Northern Colorado
08.2023 - 12.2023
  • Instructed American Sign Language 1, 2, and 3 college-level courses for over 25 students.
  • Mentored students through lab sessions and one-on-one communication.
  • Taught small groups of students focused on specific parts of coursework.
  • Devised and implemented strategies for engaging students in class discussions.
  • Documented attendance and completed assignments to maintain full class and student records.

Substitute Teacher

California School for the Deaf
08.2023 - Current
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
  • Kept classrooms of 5-10 students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.

Teaching Assistant

California School for the Deaf
08.2022 - 06.2023
  • Assisted 15 teachers with lesson planning, activity designs, and classroom materials.
  • Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
  • Assisted 4 teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Studied and implemented latest information on specific subjects and learning strategies.

American Sign Language Club Secretary

Ohlone Community College
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Arranged weekly meeting agendas, distributed details and documented meeting activities.
  • Informed 35 club members about upcoming events or meetings through email blasts and letters.
  • Created and maintained detailed administrative processes and procedures to drive efficiency and accuracy.

American Sign Language Tutor

Ohlone Community College
01.2021 - 12.2021
  • Motivated students with accurate feedback and positive reinforcement.
  • Worked closely with 7 students on specific class struggles, closely reviewing materials and assignments to offer targeted help.
  • Assisted students in developing study skills and strategies.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching American Sign Language

University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO
12.2023

Associate of Arts - Deaf Studies And American Sign Language (ASL)

Ohlone College
Fremont, CA
05.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Studio and Fine Arts

California Institute of The Arts
Valencia, CA
12.2001

Skills

  • Curriculum Development and Delivery
  • Interactive Learning Strategies
  • Positive Learning Environment
  • Support Diverse Student Populations
  • Adapt to Students' Learning Needs
  • Video Recordings and Editing
  • Design Learning Visuals
  • Rubric Creation and Implementation
  • Encourage Team Collaboration
  • Virtual and In-person Classrooms

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
American Sign Language
Full Professional

Timeline

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Northern Colorado
08.2023 - 12.2023

Substitute Teacher

California School for the Deaf
08.2023 - Current

Teaching Assistant

California School for the Deaf
08.2022 - 06.2023

American Sign Language Instructor

Santa Clara County Office of Education
08.2022 - 06.2024

American Sign Language Club Secretary

Ohlone Community College
08.2021 - 05.2022

American Sign Language Tutor

Ohlone Community College
01.2021 - 12.2021

Master of Arts - Teaching American Sign Language

University of Northern Colorado

Associate of Arts - Deaf Studies And American Sign Language (ASL)

Ohlone College

Bachelor of Arts - Studio and Fine Arts

California Institute of The Arts
Melissa Patterson