Raven S. Blackstone's

Head Teacher, Spring 2013 to Present

BSL
 

Carry out the professional duties of a teacher while exemplifying the high standard of teaching and promoting high expectations for all members of the instructional staff. Lead the development and review of all aspects of the school’s standards and curriculum including planning, developing, monitoring, assessment, recording and reporting. Raise pedagogical standards through staff performance management and the delivery of a professional development program including quality coaching and mentoring for instructors. Evaluate the caliber of teaching and learning at the school through lesson observations to ensure consistency and high quality. Support the development of collaborative approaches to learning within the school including the active involvement of students and staff in their own learning. Undertake key Human Resources activities including the induction of new instructors and their deployment. Play a lead role in formulating the aims and objectives of the school and establishing the strategic plan through which the related policies are to be implemented. Promote and safeguard the health and welfare of students and staff.
 

Business English Teacher, Fall 2011 to Spring 2012

Scandinavian College of New York
 

Enabled international students to develop the language fluency and professional deportment, which render them competitive in our global economy. Assisted students in engaging the evolving online job search process with the aid of such trending strategies as personal branding and social networking. Also, helped students navigate the college admissions process including campus visits, applications, personal statements, recommendations. Course modules included corporate culture, presentations, ethics, verbal and written communications, difficult dialogues, and cultural sensitivity.

 

Instructor, Summer 2007 to Spring 2011

City University of New York

Adult and Continuing Education Division
 

Taught test preparation courses: Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) Preparation, SAT Verbal Preparation, Preliminary SAT (PSAT) or National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) Preparation and English Regents Preparation. Developed course content with special attention to materials for in-class and homework assignments, which helped students hone the test-taking strategies proven most effective for each exam. Also instructed students on the fundamentals of good writing including organization, voice, audience, and proofreading in a course titled Writing Great Essays & Reports (Grades 5 & 6). In addition, taught the Creative Writing course, wherein students developed their writing skills in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and memoir through a series of readings, in-class discussions, and writing assignments. Organized a poetry slam/reading event where the Creative Writing students had the opportunity to share a selection of their work. Also, edited and published hard copy and electronic versions of a literary magazine, which drew its content from the students' work in the course. Furthermore, taught a course titled ESL for Middle and High School Students, which helped students improve their language fluency (reading, writing, and speaking). Facilitated presentations on pedagogy, college access, etc. for the CUNY community and other organizations.

Lecturer, Fall 2005 to Spring 2008

City University of New York

Academic Affairs Division
 

Taught developmental writing courses, advanced college level writing courses, English as a Second Language courses, ACT Compass exam preparation courses, and electives courses including Basic Writing, Basic Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English, Introduction to Expository Writing, Writing through Literature, English as a Second Language (II, III, and IV), English as a Second Language for Selected Readers (III and IV), Introduction to Poetry, The Short Story, and U.S. Latino Literature at a community college wherein over 160 languages/dialects are represented in the student body. Created syllabi, selected texts, held office hours, graded written assignments, advised students, mentored a student club named Prosody & Prose: The Creative Writing Club, and engaged in student recruitment activities at local high schools and college fairs. Developed and organized student-centered, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities like C3: The City as College Campus, BYOS: Be Your Own Superhero, an annual Latino heritage celebration, the Chaos Theory Poetry Reading Series, POW: The Plight of Women, and Global Perspectives in Classical Music. Served on university, college, and departmental committees including the CUNY African Conference Editorial Board, LaGuardia’s Presidential Cabinet, and the English Department’s Composition and Research, Writing and Literature Major, and Literature Electives committees. Contributed to professional development of faculty and staff through university-wide initiatives like cross-grading, peer observations, norming sessions, and peer mentoring. Participated in presentations on pedagogy, college access, etc.

 

Instructor, Fall 2005 to Spring 2006

City University of New York

Upward Bound Program: English Regents Preparation
 

Taught a test preparation course, which prepares students for the English Regents exam. Determined course content including materials for in-class and homework assignments. Tracked attendance and outcomes. 

Adjunct, Spring 2005

City University of New York

Academic Affairs Division

Taught a developmental writing course, which prepares students for college level writing as well as the ACT Compass exam. Also, taught an advanced college level writing course, wherein students learn to critically examine works in a number of literary genres.

 

ESL Teacher, Fall 2004

City University of New York
 

Adult and Continuing Education Division: Intensive English Language Program

Worked with children registered in New York City public schools and whose first language is not English. The focus was on improving reading and writing skills as well as introducing academic goal setting practices in preparation for meeting high school achievement standards. Developed lesson plans and course materials, which included multi-media presentations and student-centered activities.
 

ESL Teacher’s Assistant, Fall 2004

Dominican Women’s Development Center - P.S. 128 Satellite School

Ercilia Pepin Education Program
 

Worked with women whose first language is not English. The main thrust of the class was to impart ‘Survival English’. Taught core reading and writing skills with an emphasis on practical contexts and common interactions like grocery shopping, travel via public transportation, etc. Created course content, which met students’ real world needs and developed the necessary materials, including sample documents such as job applications, in order for students to practice the skills being taught.
 

Tutor, 1987 until 2004

Independent Contractor
 

Instructed students ranging from the elementary to the undergraduate level in core subjects,

ESL, GED Prep, SAT Prep, English Composition, and English Literature.