CURRICULUM VITAE

Melissa Smithman
4090 Olivier Cr., Brossard, QC, J4Y 2L1 Phone: 450-445-9254 or 514-946-9254 Email: melissa.smithman@mail.mcgill.ca

Teaching Philosophy and Professional Profile

I am a fourth year student in McGill Universitys Faculty of Education, specializing in Secondary English Language Arts and History. I believe that my enthusiasm for learning and my caring nature make me an ideal candidate for a position within your school. My educational motto is you must touch the heart in order to teach the mind and I firmly believe that a caring, human connection is essential for learning to occur. Furthermore, my educational approach is centered on collaboration and mutual learning, where both students and teacher are involved in an engaging process of discovery.

Academic History and Teaching Practicum

2010- Present Bachelor of Education- Secondary English and History McGill University Cumulative GPA of 3.71 Practicum: FE4 Voyageur Memorial High School (7 weeks- expected) - Secondary 3, 4, 5 English Language Arts - Co-teach Success For All FE3 - Centennial Regional High School (15 weeks) - Small, inclusive classes with many special needs - Secondary 3, English Language Arts and History - Secondary 4, English Language Arts 2008-2010 DEC - Social Sciences- Education Option, Champlain College, St. Lambert, QC - Awards and bursaries in English and Psychology - Awarded second highest overall average

Relevant Skills and Experience

Attended a two day Aboriginal Focus workshop sponsored by the Quebec CLC office in October 2012 Fluent in French and English, both oral and written Strong interest in running and race walking, have coached both at the high school level

Other Qualifications and Achievements

2011 - Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C issued by Canadian Red Cross 2008 - Lieutenant Governor General Award for Community Involvement

Work History
April 2007- February 2014 Team Leader, Reitmans, Brossard, QC - Open and close the store - Provide quality customer service - Train new employees - Work with Manager and Assistant Manager to ensure the smooth functioning of the store - Complete and create visual displays May 2013 - August 2013 Private Tutor, Brossard, QC - Tutored French speaking adult with special needs in the areas of Math and English as a Second Language, aimed at approximately a grade 4 level. - Found material to supplement and complete her workbooks from the previous school year

Extracurricular Interests and Volunteer Experience

Volunteered and participated in a variety of running groups and community races Completed the Montreal Oasis Half-Marathon Enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing

1998- 2009- Girl Guides of Canada - Girl member, participated in numerous camps, community service, and program work 2009-Present Girl Guides of Canada Brownie Leader - Organize and animate program work, activities, and crafts for girls aged 6-8 - Adapt activities to fit the needs of all the girls by addressing their learning difficulties, language barriers, personalities, and behavioural issues - Plan special events such as camps and volunteer opportunities - Contact and communicate with parents - Provide support and guidance for new and junior leaders in the group