Samantha M.

Wenaas
samanthawenaas@gmail.com
(248) 881-4866
https://samanthawenaasteachingportfolio.weebly.com/

Certifications
Michigan Elementary Standard Certificate - Pending May 2018
K-5 All Subjects (K-8 All Subjects Self-Contained)
K-12 Learning Disabilities (SM)
K-8 Language Arts (BX)
First Aid and CPR for children and adults

Education
Teacher Certification May 2018
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
• Completed 12 graduated credits

Bachelor of Arts, Special Education – Learning Disabilities May 2017

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
• Teaching Major: Language Arts
• Global Educator Cohort Program
Teaching Experience
Duncan Elementary School, Utica, Michigan January 2017 -May 2018
Grade Level: Kindergarten
• Implemented daily classroom routines (calendar, 100's chart) with influence of the 7-habits
• Facilitated writers workshop with Lucy Calkins curriculum
• Planned and taught reading Instruction with McGraw Hills Wonder Works and Making Words
• Taught daily mathematics Instruction with Everyday Math curriculum
• Co-planned and imparted social studies and science units
• Led Intervention groups to assist in math, reading, and writing proficiency
• Created and led a successful behavior intervention plan for a student
• Administered whole group and small group Response to Intervention supports

Duncan Elementary School, Utica, Michigan September 2017 - December 2017

Grade Level: 4th - 6th Grade Learning Center
• Led literacy Instruction with McGraw Hills Wonder Works
• Implemented daily class routines including classroom management strategies (blurt beads, token economy system)
• Planned and employed individualized mathematics curriculum
• Wrote and Implemented IEPs daily and participated in IEP meetings
• Co-taught 4th grade mathematics using Everyday Math curriculum
• Administered Tier 3 Response to Intervention supports

Pinecrest Elementary School, East Lansing, Michigan August 2016 - December 2016
Grade Level: Kindergarten
• Directed hands-on science and social studies lesson plans
• Implemented classroom management strategies (group ticketing system, school wide behavior plan) and assisted in
reading groups and running records
• Planned and taught a lesson in math and literacy
• Created a put in place a behavior intervention plan for a student

Cavanaugh Elementary School, East Lansing, Michigan

Grade Level: 1st January 2016 - April 2016
• Worked with one student on literacy and comprehension through Read to Succeed
• Modified Instruction using Universal Design for Learning principles
• Administered QRI Running Records and phonemic assessments from McKenna and Stahls Assessment for Reading
 Instruction
Additional Experience
Science Olympiad Coach March 2018 – April 2018
• Guided 4th – 6th grade students in creating a guide to identifying different rocks and minerals to be used in the Science
Olympiad competition: Rock Hound

Reading Tutor October 2017 – April 2018

• Tutored 2nd grade student on literacy skills including sight words, phonics, phonetics, vowel patterns, and spelling
• Administered phonics assessment and implemented running records to track students’ progress

Study Buddies November 2017 - March 2018

Duncan Elementary, Utica, Michigan
• Co-led after school homework help program for struggling students

Youth Counselor and Teacher for RAMA SCAMP July - September 2015 - 2017
North Hill Elementary, Rochester Hills, Michigan
• Helped students develop social and life skills by implementing outdoor and indoor recreation activities
• Supervised and participated in daily activities (bowling, art, talent show, etc.…) to help build a classroom community
and encourage student participation
• Created classroom climate with a theme and personalized activities (painting, coloring, crafts) and oversaw the safety of
students

Youth Special Needs Counselor for Spring Hill, Metro Detroit Area June 2014 - September 2014
• Incorporated students in camp activities in a one on one environment
• Utilized positive talk and a ticket rewards system to ensure camper participation
• Led outdoor and indoor group activities teaching teamwork, leadership, and social skills

Intercultural Aide August - May 2014 - 2017

Michigan State University, Office of Academic and Cultural Transitions
• Put in place bi-weekly visitations to 200 freshman students to ensure proper acclimation to college life, offer resources,
and provide academic supports
• Ran MRULE (Multi-racial unity living experience) which encouraged dialogue between students with differing beliefs
and backgrounds on social issues
• Led service and social activities within the local and global community
• Participated in weekly training sessions to develop leadership skills and grow knowledge base on social and global
issues

Participant May 2015

College of Education Ireland Study Abroad Program
• Increased personal global competency through classroom observations, interactions, and daily
reflections on teaching practice
Professional Development
I’m a Teacher Expo – Kappa Delta Pi 2017
"D5x4: Data In Five by Four" Online Data Literacy Training
A.L.I.C.E Active Shooter Training
Technology
Proficient in:
• Weebly • eSpark • Dreambox
• Microsoft Office • Google Apps • NWEA
• ELMO & Document Camera • McGraw Hill - ConnectEd • TieNet

Honors and Achievements

Dean’s List, Michigan State University, 8 semesters
Member of Kappa Delta Pi Honors Society in Education, 2016 - 2017
 References

Kathy McCurdy
Field Instructor
Phone: (248)-877-3299
Email: kmccurdy@msu.edu

Caitlin Rose
Mentor Teacher, 4th – 6th Grade Resource Room, Utica Community Schools
Phone: (586)-797-4646
Email: caitlin.rose@uticak12.org

Carmie Cerrone
Mentor Teacher, Kindergarten, Utica Community Schools
Phone: (586)-797-4621
Email: carmellacerrone@uticak12.org

Troy Mariage
Associate Professor at Michigan State University
Phone: (517)-432-1981
Email: mariaget@msu.edu

*Letters of recommendation available upon request*