Erika L.

Carlson
689 Powell Avenue
Little Torch Key, FL 33042
Phone: (203) 648-2202
E-mail: erika_boyce@yahoo.com
Innovative, 21st Century skilled educator, with a passion for learning. It is my mission to continuously
invest in education pertaining to our world, our actions, and our capabilities to make change for the
better.
Education & Certification
!

Present

Southern Connecticut State University

Enrolled in MLS program with a K-12 Cross-Endorsement for Library
Media Certification (graduation December, 2015)

2015

Arlene B. Buley Endowed Scholarship Recipient

2014

Sage Trust Family Scholarship Recipient

2005

Western Connecticut State University Connecticut Teacher Certification, History/Social Science

2001

Eastern Connecticut State University Bachelor of Arts, History/ American Studies

2015
2015
2012

Florida Social Science, 6-12 Statement of Eligibility, DOE 1276760

Connecticut Cross-Endorsement, K-12 Library Media Application in process
Connecticut Provisional Educator, History/Social Science, #026

Educational Experience
!

2014-2015

Sherman School - Library Media Specialist

Sherman, CT

Teach inquiry education through research, evaluation, reading, and collective sharing to grades K-6 as
outlined by the American Association of School Librarians Standards for the 21st-Century Learner.
Created an e-book collection for students and staff, permitting single user checkout from browser or
mobile devices. Established supplemental reading resources with Scholastics online paired text program,
Bookflix, and online, informative text resources for social studies and science, Trueflix. Trained both
students and colleagues on how to utilize Connecticuts research engine, iconn.org to support Common
Core
informative research, reading, and writing standards. Support outreach programs via Skype with the
Connecticut Historical Society and the Savannah, Georgia branch of the National Archives for third and
fourth grade students.
2007-2014

Sherman School - Social Studies Teacher

Sherman, CT

Established yearly, 6th grade instructional goals aligned to the Common Core Reading and Writing
Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. Collaborated with English Language Arts Department
and Library Media Specialist to develop and implement cross-curricular Student Learning Objectives
focused on analyzing and evaluating different forms of informational texts and inferencing with the use of
explicit textual evidence as presented by the Teachers Writing College at Columbia University. Evaluated
outcomes of both formative and summative assessments to drive and scaffold classroom instruction.

Interdisciplinary unit design and instruction for sixth grade study of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, China,
Greece, and Rome. Support inquiry thinking model through explicit instruction on how to successfully
identify, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and synthesize primary and secondary sources. Informative
research instruction to create a grade level Museum of ancient Egypt, Teach China, and a
Graeco-Roman Festival.

2008-2014

Sherman School, Gifted and Talented Teacher

Sherman, CT

Created and designed individualized project based learning simulations through authentic tasks based on
Joseph Renzullis three-ring elements of giftedness (above average ability, task commitment, and
creativity). Evaluated and incorporated the unique skills and interests of each learner into Type III
intelligence projects based on Howard Gardners Multiple Intelligence Tests.
2006-2007

Middlebrook School - Social Studies, Long Term Substitute

Wilton, CT

Guided student learning within the established 6th grade social studies curriculum. Participated in
weekly, grade team meetings to provide students with an organized, cohesive learning environment.
2005

Sherman School, Social Studies Student Teacher

Sherman, CT

World Geography instruction in 7th grade. Interactively worked with students to establish an
understanding of the countries and cultures that make up our world. Worked with students to create a
weekly, United Nations forum to promote collaboration skills as well as debating strategies and
techniques. American History instruction in 8th grade. Worked within the curriculum to promote a
primary source, centered classroom. Students were instructed in the learning process of Document Based
Questions in order to understand the importance of primary source analysis.
Other Educational and Professional Experience
New Fairfield, CT

2003-05

A-1 Septic Co., Inc., Customer Service Representative

2001-03

Farmers Insurance, Special Investigations Unit Representative

Rocky Hill, CT

2000

Mansfield Historical Society, Intern

Mansfield, CT

Technology/Computer Skills
!

Microsoft Office Suite, Mac OS, Google Drive, Notebook & SMARTBOARD, iPad, Prezi, PowToon,
Animoto, WeVideo, iMovie, Kizoa, Padlet, Screencast-o-matic, Jing, Storybird, Schoology, Blackboard,
Google Blogger, Twitter, Skype in the Classroom, Telagami, Popcorn Maker, Board Maker.

Additional Educational Experience & Professional Development

!

Anchor Chart Professional Development & Training, 2015

CT Association of School Librarians and CT Educators Computer Association Conference, 2014
Homebound Tutor, 2014
Directed 8th Grade Debate for Sherman Traffic Safety Committee, 2014
CTOM (Connecticut Odyssey of the Mind) Judge, 2010, 2011
CTOM (Connecticut Odyssey of the Mind) Coach, 2008, 2009
Connecticut TEAM Mentor, 2012-present
Sherman Education Association Negotiations, 2012
Student Teacher Mentor Training, 2012
Project Based Learning Conference for the Gifted and Talented, 2010, 2011
Connecticut Social Studies Conference, 2009, 2011, 2012