REBECCA J.

GARNER
11012 S. Mansfield Ave. Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 (708) 217-8661 rgarner1112@gmail.com
Digital Portfolio: rebeccagarner.weebly.com Classroom Website: missg-cms.weebly.com
SUMMARY

Passionate, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic educator, seeking the opportunity to

change the world through students. Experienced with CCSS standards, Google Apps
for Education, Microsoft Office, Chromebook software and applications, and various
web-based tools.

CERTIFICATION

Professional Educator License, July 2011.

Middle School Endorsements in Language Arts and Social Sciences
English as a Second Language Endorsement

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Curriculum & Instruction,

American College of Education, Indianapolis, IN (Online Program)
GPA 4.0/4.0, May 2014
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education,
DePaul University, Chicago, IL.
Summa cum Laude, GPA 3.92/4.0, June 2011

EXPERIENCE
Central Middle School, Evergreen Park, IL
Teacher, 8th Grade Language Arts, 7th Grade Social Studies, 7th Grade Language Arts, August 2011-Present
Integrate technology on a daily basis in a 1:1 environment, utilizing tools such as Google Apps for
Education, Google Classroom, Weebly classroom website, Socrative, & Kidblogs.
Create daily lesson plans for Literature and Language Arts aligned CCSS standards and strategies.
Utilize formative assessments to analyze student mastery and concepts for reteaching.
Differentiate instruction to meet the needs, ability levels, and learning styles of all students using RTI
interventions as necessary.
Analyze data to determine RTI interventions.
Utilize flipped-classroom techniques to differentiate students learning speeds and preferences.
Initiated Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) in the classroom and influenced colleagues to initiate the
strategy in their classrooms. Data analysis revealed increased engagement, motivation, and fluency.
Organized a classroom Poetry Slam; students recited original and published works of poetry for their
peers and invited members of administration.
Design unique alternative assessments to measure student mastery.
Co-plan and co-teach with special education teacher to modify and/ or accommodate the needs of
students with IEPs.
Modify and/or accommodate assignments and activities to meet the needs of English Language
Learners.
Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum-writing committee.
Presented at district Jump Start Academy on integrating technology into daily classroom use.
Collaborate daily with grade-level team planning cross-curricular CCSS-aligned activities; integrating
SEL standards into activities; community service projects; discussing student concerns and/or
achievements; planning field trips.
Administer MAP and Aimsweb testing.
Member of the Digital Learning Committee to integrate digital tools and provide guidance to collegial
peers in utilizing technology.

 Participated in Digital Showcase night, where students shared their poetry analysis presentations with
parents.
Newspaper club moderator.
Coordinate and organize Newbery Bowl reading competition.

Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, Oak Lawn, IL

Student Teacher, 8th Grade Language Arts, March 2011-May 2011
Created daily lesson plans for Language Arts using metacognitive thinking skills such as reflection,
analysis, questioning, connecting, and making inferences.
Implemented classroom management skills that effectively kept students on task and engaged.
Differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learning styles and ability levels.
Encouraged cooperative learning through individual, small group, and large group activities and
discussions.
Designed and implemented an interactive wiki page during a Literature Circle unit to foster discussion
among peers and critical thinking in relation to assigned novels.
Conducted both formative and summative assessments of student learning using a variety of
techniques such as quote analysis reflections and original novel-inspired board games.
Collaborated with 8th grade Language Arts teachers to implement meaningful and engaging lessons
throughout units focused on the Holocaust and William Shakespeares work.
Participated in professional development teacher institute activities focused on the Understanding by
Design planning format.
Chicago Ridge Park District, Chicago Ridge, IL
Day Camp Counselor (June, 2007 August, 2012)
Collaborated with staff in developing, implementing, and supervising daily activities for children ages
6 through 14.
Head counselor of a group of eleven 5-7 year-old girls.
Prepared and implemented arts activities encouraging hands-on creativity and social skills.
Planned special events and supervise field trips to places such as Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier.
Interacted with parents to discuss upcoming events, along with behavior issues when necessary.
Created dance routines and conducted rehearsals for annual talent show.
DePaul University First Year Program, Chicago, IL
Chicago Quarter Mentor (August, 2009 November, 2010)
Designed a course-long syllabus for 9 week class focused on acclimating to life at DePaul and in
Chicago, providing experience in a multicultural urban area.
Collaborated with university professor and staff professional in planning and co-facilitating a course
for freshmen college students.
Exemplified organizational skills in developing syllabus and lesson plans while keeping track of grades
and attendance of students.
Lead a one hour-long class and interactive discussion focused on topics such as Academic Success
Skills, Culture & Diversity, and Health & Wellness with twenty freshmen students each week.
DePaul University Student Centers, Chicago, IL
Information Desk Attendant Manager (September, 2008 present; Manager May, 2010 March, 2011)
Answered University affiliated questions related to classes, University faculty and staff offices, and
University department office hours.
Interacted with patrons such as University staff, faculty, and students, as well as visiting students and
families in a friendly and helpful manner.

 Handled confrontational issues in a calm and effective manner, and collaborated with supervisory
staff.
Controlled access to administrative offices and acted as liaison between building crew staff and
patrons.
Trained and integrated new staff, providing knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete
tasks.

Professional Affiliations
Illinois Reading Council, 2014 Present
Illinois Computing Educators. 2014 Present

References and portfolio available upon request.