As a secondary English Language Arts teacher, I am dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of the English language as well as utilizing literature to explore the human experience. I pride myself on accomplishing this through establishing relationships with and empowering my students via fostering an equitable learning environment regardless of race, socioeconomic class, gender, or ability. I believe that the classroom should be a space where mistakes are encouraged, student growth is prioritized, and students leave with skills that will support them when navigating real-world challenges.
I have worked in the field of retail and customer service since 2011. I spent most of that time dedicated to one company. Many facets of the retail industry also apply to the field of education. In my 10+ years in the workforce, I have learned how to de-escalate situations, set work-related boundaries, and collaborate with people from all demographics. My non-traditional background has taught me these vital skills which will aid in my long-term success in the field of teaching.
Throughout my time at UNC, I have been able to observe and teach in five different classrooms at widely varying schools. These include Colorado Early College, Windsor Charter Academy, Montfort Elementary, Windsor High School, and Prairie Heights Middle School. I completed my CLD Practicum at Monfort Elementary where I got to work individually, and in group settings, with multiple CLD students and help them to progress in their learning of the English language at the most basic and phenomic level. That experience has helped me immensely in secondary ELA. With each of these placements, I have learned what strategies work and do not work and how I will build a classroom of my own.
Character
Joni Van Sickle
Founder of Idea Wild (non-profit organization)
ideawild@ideawild.org
(970) 420-8172
English Education Program References
Stacy Bailey
University of Northern Colorado, Department of English Clinical Faculty
Stacy.Bailey@unco.edu
Matt Seymour
University of Northern Colorado, Assistant Professor of English Education
matt.seymour@unco.edu
Teaching References
Traci Underwood
7th Grade-ELA Classroom Teacher, Prairie Heights Middle School
tunderwood@greeleyschools.org