Melanie Tafel

414 Arrowwood Drive Harrisonburg, VA 22801

(267) 337 - 0631 tafelmx@dukes.jmu.edu
EDUCATION

James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Master of Arts and Teaching, Elementary Education PK-6 Concentration,
Anticipated: May 2020, GPA 4.00
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies, Minor in Elementary Education,
Exceptional Education
Graduated May 2019, GPA: 3.498
President’s List Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, and Spring 2019

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

Student Teacher, Grade 5, Ware Elementary School, Staunton, VA, Oct.-Dec. 2019
• Formed and instructed math units on probability, central tendency, and adding, subtracting, and
comparing fractions
• Used formative and summative data to form math groups for small group instruction
• Planned and differentiated small group reading instruction on level-targeted chapter books
• Created and taught Science units on ocean ecosystems, life cycles, currents, tides, and waves
• Designed a plethora of different formal and informal assessments to monitor student progress and
content mastery
• Attended and participated in bi-weekly grade level planning meetings and school-wide faculty
meetings

Student Teacher, Grade 3, Smithland Elementary School, Duel Enroll, Harrisonburg, VA, Aug.-Oct. 2019
• Planned and taught differentiated lessons in whole group Language Arts instruction on summarizing,
inferencing, and narrative writing units
• Created and implemented differentiated small group Language Arts instruction on affixes,
synonyms and antonyms, and homophones units
• Designed and taught an ecosystem unit within science whole and small group instruction
• Worked closely with push-in ESL specialist to develop strategies that further support ESL students
• Provided close additional instruction to English language learners to reinforce current academic
content
• Attended and participated in grade-level planning meetings, faculty meetings, and student study
meetings

Practicum, Grade 4, Clymore Elementary School, Harrisonburg, VA, Aug.-Dec. 2018

• Created and implemented lessons in Math, Reading and Writing, Science, and Social Studies
• Planned and taught Number Talks to strengthen student’s math skills

Cross-cultural Practicum, Grade 2, St. Ronan’s Primary School, Newry, Ireland, May-Jun. 2018
• Observed and compared Ireland’s culture and education system to the United States’ education
system
• Developed and taught Insect review unit
• Furthered communication and social skills working with students in a different culture
Practicum, Young Children’s Program at James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, Aug.-Dec. 2017
• Created and implemented reading and creative art lessons
• Conducted and wrote a case study on a child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive
development

ADDITIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Paraeducator, Bucks County Intermediate Extended School Year Program, Life Skills Grades 4-6,
Quakertown, PA, July-Aug. 2019
• Worked one-on-one with students providing instruction based on their respective social skills,
reading, and math IEP goals
• Executed daily behavior charts, and weekly behavior and related services documentation paperwork

After School Teacher, Young Children’s Program at James Madison University,

Harrisonburg, VA, Aug. 2017-May 2019
• Head after school teacher, responsible for childcare and organization of daily activities
• Trained new employees on duties and responsibilities of respective positions

Paraeducator, Bucks County Intermediate Extended School Year Program, Autism Support Ages 12-17,
Quakertown, PA, July-Aug. 2018
• Assisted in teaching summer course work, aiding in progress towards students’ IEP goals
• Worked with a Behavioral Analyst to develop strategies to further support students’ behaviors

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Second Home Volunteer, Harrisonburg, VA, Aug.-Dec. 2018

• Volunteered at a fully licensed before and after school program serving children grades K-7
• Assisted in the running of daily transportation activities for after school students
• Prepared and distributed snacks in addition to assisting students with homework and other school
related activities

Alternative Spring Break, Charlotte, NC, May 2017

• Volunteered for a week helping in multiple different Lifespan Programs
• Provided services helping aid children and adults with special needs
• Further developed interpersonal skills working with and leading a team of peers

Overcoming Barriers, Harrisonburg, VA, Aug.-Dec. 2016

• Volunteered at Harrisonburg High School
• Escorted special education students to and from specials class
• Created an inclusive environment through class activities by modifying the mainstream activity

LISENSURE & CERTIFICATIONS

American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR and First Aid) Certification, 2019
Dyslexia Awareness for Educators, 2019
Crisis Prevention Institution Training, 2018
Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing, Reporting, And Responding for Educators, 2017
Social/Behavioral Research Training, CITI Program Training, 2017