American Sign Language with Marissa P.

Mesa Public School, Mesa Arizona

Went to 15+ schools in the district and worked with students from Prek-12th grade with sign language skills, math, reading, writing, and self advocacy skills.

El Paso School District, El Paso Texas

Worked with a class of students using ASL in all academic areas to support language growth. Was evaluated weekly and had to keep up-to-date records on the progress of students. Worked with parents in IEP meetings and provided details on student progress weekly. Worked side by side with a seasoned 30 year teacher within the school district.

Mesa Public Schools, Mesa Arizona

Teaching a classroom of 30 children including lesson planning and managing aids for the classroom. Worked with the Special Needs students that had IEP’s and data that needed to be collected on a daily basis. Kept in contact with 30+ parents, keeping them updated on their child’s progress and getting them involved in the classroom. Extensive professional development is done for 8-10 hours a month.

California State University Northridge

University of Arizona

Mesa Public Schools

In 2009, the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) issued a Joint Position Statement that gave a much needed definition for early childhood inclusion. "Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society. The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include: A sense of belonging and membership, Positive social relationships and friendships, and The development and learning to reach their full potential. The defining features of inclusion that can be used to identify high-quality early childhood programs and services are access, participation, and support." Create accessible learning environments (Access) Encourage play, learning, and membership (Participation) Helping parents and providers find information and assistance (Support)

Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA)

Arizona Educator Proficiency Examinations (AEPA) are a series of tests for individuals who wish to earn teaching certification in Arizona. Prospective teachers sit for different examinations depending upon what level and subject they wish to teach. All tests are computer-based and are available at Pearson test centers throughout Arizona and the rest of the United States. The Assessment of Professional Knowledge exams are designed to measure the competencies of educators within the school environment. Candidates take one of three different exams taken within 3 hours. Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary 100 multiple choice, 2 written assignments Focuses on: Concepts of human development, uses of formal and informal assessment, developing relationships with other professionals The score for each AEPA exam is calculated as a result between 100 and 300. You will need to earn a minimum score of 240 in order to pass these exams. Some exams have multiple sections, such as a performance assignment section and a selected-response section. In that case, your score will be calculated by combining your performance on each of these sections according to a pre-determined scale.

Gallaudet University

The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a holistic language evaluation used to determine global ASL proficiency. The basic precept in this type of evaluation is to find out through a face-to-face interview what an individual can do with the target language at a given point in time. The ASLPI is a 20-25 minute video recorded interactive dialogue between the examinee and the interviewer. The interview is rated by a team of evaluators and examinees are awarded an overall proficiency level on a 0-5 rating scale. Language proficiency evaluation was originally developed by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the US Department of State and has been used by the government for decades. Adaptations to the language proficiency evaluation were made with respect to ASL and the ASLPI was born. The ASLPI is utilized by agencies, schools, universities, programs and employers.

Mesa Public Schools

The teacher's use of language provides an important model for children's vocabulary development. By modeling the use of sophisticated words, teachers can promote students' vocabulary growth and word consciousness. In this article, the research support for this approach is explained, suggestions are provided for how teachers might accomplish this goal, and examples are shared from teachers who have done it successfully.

Darkness to Light- Stewards of Children

identify signs of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. understand your legal obligations as a mandated reporter as defined by your state. know the steps for reporting, including essential information to provide, including if there is a mandated reporter hotline for your state. understand the value of your role as a mandated reporter and name potential positive outcomes of reporting. name the basic skills of handling a child’s disclosure of maltreatment.

Darkness to Light- Stewards of Children

Child sexual abuse is likely the most prevalent health problem children face, with the most serious array of consequences. In fact, 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. This means that whether you work with youth, are a parent, or are simply a member of a community, it is highly likely that someone you know or care for has experienced, or is currently experiencing, child sexual abuse. It’s going to happen whether you are prepared to deal with it or not – unless you stop it from happening. And the good news is it can be stopped. This course was designed to help you notice these details that can prevent abuse from taking place.

Early Learning Department- MPS

Early Learning standards in Arizona. Inclusive Practices, and how to collaborate effectively in teams.

Teaching and Learning Professional Learning Department- MPS

The standards establish guidelines for English language arts (ELA) as well as for literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. Because students must learn to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively in a variety of content areas, the standards promote the literacy skills and concepts required for college and career readiness in multiple disciplines. The skills and knowledge captured in the ELA/literacy standards are designed to prepare students for life outside the classroom. They include critical-thinking skills and the ability to closely and attentively read texts in a way that will help them understand and enjoy complex works of literature. Students will learn to use cogent reasoning and evidence collection skills that are essential for success in college, career, and life. The standards also lay out a vision of what it means to be a literate person who is prepared for success in the 21st century.

Ms. Madden- Instructor

Founded in 1893 at Lombard College in Galesburg, Illinois, Alpha Xi Delta is one of the oldest women’s fraternal organizations in the United States. Alpha Xi Delta is a progressive organization dedicated to the personal growth of women. Through membership in Alpha Xi Delta, Sisters are inspired to realize their potential through the ideals our Founders instilled in our Fraternity: Sisterhood, leadership, knowledge and service to our communities. Our Mission Statement, Vision & The Symphony of Alpha Xi Delta are words our Sisters live by and inspire our Fraternity every day.

Native Proficiency

Professional Proficiency