Shawna Bluhm

141-20th Street Brandon, Manitoba, R7B 1L5 Phone: (204)823-0606 E-Mail: bluhmsm36@brandonu.ca

Objective
I am a passionate, dedicated educator seeking full-time employment in teaching elementary education, a position in which I can facilitate student learning. In the process of obtaining my Bachelor of Education, I am establishing a strong ability to teach, motivate, and direct students while maintaining high interest and achievement. I am an articulate communicator, one who is able to effectively interact with diverse populations of students at a variety of academic levels. I strive to teach to everyones strengths, allowing all of my students to achieve success in at least one, if not more, domains. I am a self-motivated individual, one with strong planning, organizational and leadership skills. I would be a strong and effective addition to your teaching staff.

Education
Bachelor of Education (After Degree), Early Years Stream Brandon University, Brandon MB Bachelor of Arts (3-Year) with Distinction, Major in Gender & Womens Studies June 1, 2012 Brandon University, Brandon MB Expected Grad. June 24, 2014

Professional Experience
Brandon University Depart. of Mathematics, Lab Assistant
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2010 2012

Assisted in the conduction of the 62: 090/091 Basic Mathematics lab period. Primary responsibilities included: assisting the professor in general lab duties, answering student questions, and/or administering and monitoring tests/test periods. 2008 Present

Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs, Direct Service Worker

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Provided respite care to the families of children and adults with disabilities, working primarily with a young autistic child. I worked primarily on basic motor and communication skills including speaking (asking basic questions, answering basic questions, communicating wants and needs) and listening (listening to basic commands, listening to the speech of others). In addition, we worked on basic as well as more complex motor functions (from writing and colouring to riding a bicycle). Provided Summer Gap care to a junior high student in an attempt to help with her retention of academic and social skills. Through conferencing with the parents of the participant and consultation with the participants I.E.P. created a schedule that consisted of part academic and part social skill development. Summer Gap care commences July 1st and proceeds through until the beginning of September, its primary focus being the retention of academic abilities from school year to school year.

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Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summer Research Assistant

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2010 Present

Assisted with crop development, crop growth, field preparation, planting, field maintenance, and harvest activities, specifically working with dry beans. I worked in a team setting to complete tasks designated to us by our supervisors.

Extracurricular and Volunteer Experience

Morden 4-H Achievers, Club President and Unit Leader
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2005 2009

As President of the Morden 4-H Achievers I lead the club in monthly meetings, led the rest of the club executive in club activities, worked in cooperation with the head leader of the club, organized events for both members and leaders, served as the representation for the club in the community, and served as an active member of the club. As leader of the Beginners Photography unit I led two members in the unit, teaching them the basics of photography through theoretical and practical applications. As a junior leader I shared knowledge that I had learnt from myself taking photography through the 4-H program with other 4-H members. Knowledge learnt was displayed in a visual presentation at the end of the unit. 2008 2009

Grade 3 Classroom Volunteer

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Volunteered in a grade three classroom, assisting the classroom teacher in the daily workings of a classroom. Volunteer work included helping administer assignments such as spelling tests, helping with guided reading, and assisting EAL students. 2007 2009

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morden/Winkler, Big Sister

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As part of the in-school mentoring program I was a Big Sister. I visited my Little Sister for an hour once a week during school. In our time together we developed a bond. She is in grade eight now and we are still, outside of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, in contact.

Professional Development
First Steps in Mathematics
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Fall 2012

First Steps in Mathematics was a four-day coachs training course with David McKillop, a Consultant with Pearson Canada for First Steps in Math. The course focuses on: how teachers can accurately diagnose student learning, the path on which students travel as they learn mathematics, the critical mathematics that students need to be successful, and how teachers can advance student learning. Fall 2012

Real World Teaching (K-12)

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Real World Teaching asked the tough questions and searched for real world answers in Math, Science, and English. Brian Cox ran this professional development session. Brian provided an indepth look into an intrinsically motivating reading and writing program that also incorporates

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mathematics and science concepts. Topics discussed included: modeling, pacing and mini-lesson content, beating writers block, helping struggling readers, and marks and grades. EAL Survival Kits
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Fall 2012

This session helped a new teacher ready his/herself and his/her classroom for a new EAL student who speaks very little English. Discussed was the importance of a Survival Kit and the necessary items it should contain. Fall 2012

So, Whats New for My Classroom?

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In this workshop, the presenter offered some ideas and suggestions for book choice from the amazing array of books from the 2012 lists. Fall 2012

SAGE Session: First Year Teachers

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Starting a new career can be a tough and challenging task. Take it from a beginning teacher; the field of Education is no different. This workshop is intended to support new and beginning teachers to the profession. The tips and strategies you will receive will help you become the teacher you dreamed of being when you first chose Education as your career.

Developing English Language & Literacy Skills with EAL Students in the Reg. Classroom Setting (K-8) Winter 2013
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Shared Reading and Read Aloud are wonderful, practical and non-threatening ways to help early years EAL students learn English language and literacy skills along with their English speaking peers in an integrated classroom. The presenter, Rena Mills, will discuss quality literature with EAL students and cultural sensitivity. Winter 2013

Dealing with Difficult Students (K-12)

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This workshop dealt with strategies and tools that you might use when dealing with some of the difficult students you will meet in your student teaching and in your career. Winter 2013

So, You Got a Teaching Job! Now, What? (K-8)

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The session discussed ways to start planning for your students, how to organize your classroom, how to survive your first year in a brand new job.

Skills
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Leadership/Management Skills: I am a goal-driven leader who maintains a productive climate and confidently motivates, mobilizes and teaches students to meet high performance standards. Communication: I am an exceptional listener and communicator who effectively conveys information verbally and in writing. Teamwork: I am a resourceful team player who excels at building trusting relationships with students, parents, fellow colleagues, and the administration. Creativity: I am a creative individual who aims to creatively engage others in learning.

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Professionalism: Conscientious achiever who is highly organized, dedicated, and committed to professionalism.

References
Mary Wardle Grade 1 Teacher, Kirkcaldy Heights School, Brandon MB Cooperating Teacher, First Student Teaching Placement (204) 204-729-3291 wardle.mary@brandonsd.mb.ca Cathy Cramer Resource Coordinator, Manitoba Family Services and Consumer Affairs (204) 822-2866 cathy.cramer@gov.mb.ca Dena Young General Labourer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (204) 822-7259