Amanda Wenzel

Michigan State University

Special Education Learning Disabilities K-12
General Education K-5
Language Arts K-8
2147 Belmont Farms Circle, Belmont, MI 49306(616) 389-4580wenzelam@msu.edu
amandawenzelteachingportfolio.weebly.com

Amanda Wenzel
2147 Belmont Farms Circle, Belmont, MI 49306(616) 389-4580wenzelam@msu.edu
amandawenzelteachingportfolio.weebly.com

Teaching Credential Certifications

English as a Second Language (TESOL)

American Red Cross CPR (infant, child, and adult)
Learning Disabilities (K-12)
Elementary Education (K-5)
Elementary Language Arts (K-8)

April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
February 2015
February 2015

Teaching Philosophy
Within my classroom, I strive to create a flexible, safe, comfortable, and open environment while focusing my teaching
strategies on meaningful, applicable, higher-order thinking and inquiry. Encouraging exploration and curiosity in a
classroom has always been an important aspect of my teaching career. I want my students to know I am a supporter of
their personal and academic accomplishments and I hope to see each and every one of them progress and achieve
beyond their own expectations. I strive to exhibit a curiosity and excitement for teaching that can be seen by my
students, as well as my colleagues, as I express my passion for learning and self advocacy in the classroom.

Education
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Bachelor of Arts, University Deans List, GPA: 3.5
Special Education Learning Disabilities
Teaching Major: Language Arts
Minor: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certification Internship
24 post graduate credits toward a MA in Special Education

May 2015

April 2016

Student Teaching Internship

Central Woodlands 5/6 Intermediate School
January 2016-April 2016
th
Forest Hills Public Schools, MI, 6 grade resource room
Independently planned and implemented lesson plans in Language Arts, Math, and Reading.
Progress monitored students using NWEA-MAP assessment.
Attended and assisted with staff meetings, Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team meetings, and IEPs.
Participated in spring student growth conferences.
Assessed and evaluated a math case study student using Key Math assessment.
Employed thinking routines and strategies using Making Thinking Visible by Karin Morrison, Mark Church,
and Robert Ritchhart.
Orchard View Elementary School
August 2015-December 2015
nd
Forest Hills Public Schools, MI, 2 grade general education classroom
Developed and implemented lesson plans in all general education subject areas.
Established a positive behavior management system.
Participated in fall student growth conferences.
Evaluated and refined classroom and positive behavior management skills.
Assessed and evaluated a literacy case study student using AIMSweb progress monitoring/KTEA II.

Participated in report card writing for individual students within the classroom.
Implemented strategies for instruction and evaluation using Marzanos Instructional Framework.

Pre-Internship Field Experience

Sycamore Elementary School
September 2014- May 2015
th
Holt Public Schools, MI, 4 grade general education classroom
Incorporated Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and CCSS into classroom instruction.
Developed and implemented a functional behavioral assessment followed by an individualized behavioral
intervention plan in order to decrease target behavior.
Hiawatha Elementary
January 2014-May 2014
Okemos Public Schools, MI, K-4 self contained basic classroom
Assisted students on an individual basis when an isolated environment was needed.
Observed classroom activities and management techniques.
Assisted students with literacy centers and teacher planned activities.
Exposure to IEP process and special education policies.
Wexford Montessori Magnet School
September 2013- December 2013
Lansing Public Schools, MI, K/1 split level general education classroom
Examined the literacy learning and development of an individual case study student.
Conducted formal and informal literacy assessments.
Planned and taught a literacy lesson for individual case study student.
Worked with student on concepts of print, phonological awareness, sight words, letter-sound knowledge,
morphology, fluency, vocabulary, decoding, comprehension, composition, and motivation.

Teaching Related Experiences

Childcare Provider
March 2015-August 2015
McIntosh Family, Okemos, MI
Cared for one child aged 3 months.
Carried out daily activities to meet the childs physical and emotional needs.
Prepared a combination of bottled milk and solids, and helped to wean the baby fully onto solids.
Established a routine and provided a safe, hygienic environment for the child.
Teaching Assistant
December 2012- November 2013
AppleTree Christian Learning Center, East Lansing, MI
Developed and implemented curriculum approved programs for young children ages 6 weeks-6 years.
Planned and implemented supportive activities to meet children's needs.
Implemented positive discipline when necessary.
Literacy and Math Tutor
May 2012- August 2012
Individual in-home sessions, Belmont, MI
Guided students through planned subject area activities and assessments.
Prepared four daily lessons, twice a week.

Professional Learning Experiences and Honors

Ken Williams, Building Culture from the Inside Out professional learning conference
February 2016
STEAM Classroom Integration Demonstration
February 2016
ESL Tools for Literacy led by Debbie Arechiga, Literacy Consultant
October 2015
Marine Corps League Scholarship
November 2012 and November 2013

Amanda Wenzel
2147 Belmont Farms Circle, Belmont, MI 49306(616) 389-4580wenzelam@msu.edu
amandawenzelteachingportfolio.weebly.com

References
Ms. Nancy Marshall
MSU Student Teaching Internship Field Instructor, 2015-2016
3873 Morningstar Lane, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
nmarshal@msu.edu
(517)204-4083

Ms. Cynthia Martin

Mentor Teacher, spring 2016
400 Alta Dale Ave SE, Ada, MI, 49301
cymartin@fhps.net
(616)308-7302

Ms. Laura Avolio

Mentor Teacher, fall 2015
2770 Leffingwell Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
lavolio@fhps.net
(616)460-4876