Lawrence J.

Dillon
SSN: 485-84-0054

KSA #1: Knowledge of education requirements

As a high school teacher, Adult English as a second language teacher, and as

college geography teacher I am aware of the education that is required for my
students to graduate high school, become an American Citizen and to graduate
from an accredited community college.

As a high school teacher from 1998 through august 2010 I have been well
aware of the education requirements for students in order to graduate with a high
school diploma. I have conducted student advisory classes where I would monitor
student progress towards their graduation requirements. During this time I would
have a one on one discussion with the student about their education and post
secondary plans. I would work with and assist student in creating an educational
portfolio where they would demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

During my tenure as a high school special education teacher I have also

trained special education students to live and work independently. This would
consist of arranging job shadows, practicing interview skills, writing resumes,
performing follow-ups with employers, and training students in basic job skills. I
would also educate the students in the way of community functioning. Helping them
make a shopping list, finding the best buy, counting money, making change,
reading a menu and using public transportation.

As an adult English as a second language teacher for Des Moines Area

Community college I would instruct foreign born students in the proper use and
pronunciation of the English language. Students would progress through different
levels of the classes that I would teach. The different levels would use more
advanced and complex forms of the English language and would also study the
situations to use the context. If a student would choose to progress through the
eight different levels of English language classes they would enter the American
citizenship classes. Here I would prepare the students to take the American
citizenship naturalization test. We would discuss American history as well as the
function and role of the United States Government.

As a Geography teacher for Des Moines Area Community College during the
fall semester of 2002, I taught college students abound reading different types of
maps and atlases. We discussed topographical regions, political environments, as
well as how to read road maps and use a compass and the art of pioneering or
using a map and compass along with geographical features to find your way.
 Lawrence J. Dillon
SSN: 485-84-0054

KSA #2: Knowledge of computers to resolve recurring and non-recurring

problems.

As a computer technican for Staples Inc. and as a technology cadre member

at Norwalk High school I have used computers to resolve dilemmas that have been
recurring and non-recurring.

As a computer technician it has been my job to discuss with custonmers what

problems thay have been having with their computers and software. Based on these
discussions I would meet the customers needs by repairing their malfunctioning
machine. I would often haveto perform a system restore or a virus removal. If the
task was a virus removal this could be a recurring problem. When a person uses
their computer on the internet and the world wide web they are often putting their
computer at risk of coming in contact with a computer virus. It is then my job to
find out how the virus has infected their computer and software and get rid of the
problem. One such case was when a loyal staples cutomer bought a laptop
computer. They failed to install an quality antivirus program and came back in for
assistance a couple of months later. This virus was causing new screens to “Popup”
when they were on the internet. This problem became so destructive that use of the
internet and computer became next to impossible. I was able to use my technician
computer and software to get rid of the problem and let the customer return to
running their online sales business.

As the lead member of the technology cadre for Norwalk high school from
2005 through the 2010 academic years I would often have to resolve several
problems that were often created through the use of technology by students and
teachers. If a computer would malfunction I was often the person that was first
called on the scene to fix the problem. I would often have educators who are not
very computer efficient and need retraining on a certain piece of software of new
hardware for their classroom. I would often have to reset passwords for the
learning management systems that I helped to maintain. This would often be
setting up new accounts, deleting old accounts and keeping track and maintaining
the material on the LMS systems. I would create a LMS system from scratch using
either Moodle or WebCT systems. This would often include producing and adding
videos, presentations and examinations. When the servers would become
overloaded or fall in disrepair I would need to get in touch with the technology
director and have the server reset or repaired. When the system came back online I
would need to reset the classes so that the practitioners would be penalized and
could maintain their present rate of performance.
 Lawrence J. Dillon
SSN: 485-84-0054

KSA #3: Knowledge and skill using computer software such as Microsoft
word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Throughout my twelve years of teaching, computer technician, being a

continuing student of college level courses, and as the chairman of the education
committee for my Masonic Lodge I have used various types of computer software
that include Microsoft word, PowerPoint, Excel and various learning management
systems.

I first began using the Microsoft office programs of word, PowerPoint, and
excel when I was a freshmen in college to write term papers for my college level
classes. I also began using PowerPoint to make presentations to show that knew
the information. This was a new concept at the time because the Microsoft products
were first released my freshmen year of college.

I continued to use the Microsoft products through out my college career and
into my profession as a teacher. I used Microsoft word to communicate with my
students, and their parents. I would write letters, address envelopes, write
newsletters and produce assignments. I became an expert at using PowerPoint by
creating presentations that would use graphics, sound and video to convey the
information I was presenting. This eventually lead to my PowerPoint presentations
being put on various teaching websites to share with other educators so that they
could use them in their classrooms.

I first began using excel when I was assigned to be a dietician assistant while
I was receiving treatment for my service connected disability. I created a database
that would keep track of the food consumption of patients. This program would
keep track of the number of servings, amount of protein, fat, and calories
consumed on a daily basis. Drop down menus were created for the dietician to use
to keep track of the data. This program was used to put patients on restricted diets
to help improve their health and welfare.

I have further expanded my knowledge of different software products and

became a technology specialist through TIMP (technology integration mentorship
program). In this course I became a specialist that would test and learn new
educational software and in turn decide if the programs were worth while and then
teach other educators how to use them in their classrooms. Over my twelve years
as an educator I have learned, evaluated, and introduced such programs and
equipment as curriculum mapping, AS400, smart boards, Elmos, and have
constructed and maintained web based LMS (learning management systems) in
Moodle, Webct, curriculum integration, A+ learning systems, and Odysseyware. I
have also become fluent in the Staples LMS and VA LMS web based programs
through web based trainings and tutorials. I have use the various LMS systems to
teach web based curriculum at Norwalk high school from 2005 through the 2010
academic years. These classes ranged from Medical Terminology to American
History to Forensics and Biology.
 Lawrence J. Dillon
SSN: 485-84-0054

In the last several years I have also become a computer repair expert. Using
various software to repair and maintain personal and business computers,
mainframes, and networks. In my present position as a computer technician for
Staples INC., I use software such as Norton Utilities, Malware bytes, and Ghost to
repair customer’s computer systems. This would often involve performing system
restores, virus removal, and data recovery.

KSA #4: Knowledge and ability to use audiovisual equipment including

public address systems, computers and video projectors.

Over the past twelve years as a technology cadre member, teacher, coach,
and education committee chairman for a freemason lodge I have used audiovisual
equipment, PA systems, computers, video projectors and digital editing equipment
to perform a variety of responsibilities.

As a technology cadre member I would learn how to use various types of

software and hardware that could be used in an education setting. This would range
from IPods, to Elmos, to smart boards, to LCD projectors and numerous different
software applications. I, along with other technology members would decide if the
material could be used in an education setting. I would then prepare presentations,
teaching materials, reference guides, and informational video clips for my fellow
educators. During technology in-service training days I would conduct classes for
the district teachers and administrators on how to properly use the new technology
in their class rooms. I would present the information in a Learning Management
system such as Moodle, WebCT or through the district Intranet system. For certain
functions we would gather the entire district staff together and perform a district
wide in-service. At this time we would set up and use a public address system, LCD
projectors, PowerPoint presentations and any other audiovisual equipment needed.

As an athletic coach I would often video tape our games and practices for use
as an educational tool to improve our athletic performance. When the video would
be compiled I would edit the video using adobe premiere or other video editing
software, and place it on DVDs for my athletes to watch and learn from. At the end
of a football season I would place the videos and instructions on my football
coaching website. This information would be shared with my fellow football coaches
that would run the same type of offense. This would often lead to speaking
engagements at football clinics through out Iowa and the Midwest region. During
these presentations I would use my laptop computer, and an LCD projector to
present my knowledge of football fundamentals and techniques. These videos and
blog can be found at www.wing-tfooball.blogspot.com

More recently as the chairman of the education committee for a freemason

lodge I have made presentations regarding the symbolism of freemasonry. I have
also made presentations of the history of freemasons at the Alamo and Masonic
presidents. The latest project that I have endeavored to create was an information
 Lawrence J. Dillon
SSN: 485-84-0054

video on the history of East Gate Lodge in Des Moines, Iowa. This video
incorporated still images, audio clips and original 8MM film that had to be digitized
and prepared as a movie. I then edited and made a DVD master and sold the
videos as a fundraiser for the lodge.

KSA #5: Ability to use effective oral and written communication skills to
provide instruction and resolve issues.

In my current position as an educator, I spend most of my time either engaging

students in a social studies classroom or supervising meetings where a student’s
education plan is developed and maintained. I often have contact with parents,
guardians, educators, and support personal such as an education consultant or
social worker. Communication is the norm in this field; I need to collect a student’s
progress and relay that information on a weekly basis to their parents. I have to be
able to show my familiarity with data, statistics, and issues in the education
community as well as concerns pertaining to a student’s life. I need to be able to
communicate successfully with administrators, counselors and parents alike. These
communications must be thorough yet concise. Differences in meaning of ideas can
occur between the educator and the parent, and I am the primary person to see
these differences and clarify what the data might mean. I have contacted parents
directly over the phone, or through e-mail, as well as in planning sessions with
educators and administration.

I spend most of my time preparing classroom lesson and then teaching those
lessons as a co-teacher in a social studies or science classroom. I often use
different methods of communication for instructing high school students. These
methods include:

Using PowerPoint presentations to explain concepts and ideas with visual aids and
sound; designing online classes through the Moodle program where our students
interact with each other and the teacher via e-mail, blogs and submitting written
reports; maintaining good relationships with my students; and mailing newsletters
to all parents/guardians of special education students several times a year. I have
found throughout the years that some means of communication are particularly
effective. I use a key communicator database of e-mail addresses to inform the
education practitioners in my district about various events and developments
pertaining to a student’s life. Practitioners can join my e-mail list of key
communicators by clicking on an address posted on our schools intranet site, while
at the same time information is kept confidential and secure. The number of
contacts in this database continues to grow every day and the feedback from it has
been wonderful.

I also have been working as a computer technician where I discuss with a customer
what types of problems they have been having with their computers. Do they have
a virus, do they need additional hardware etc. I will then take this information and
 Lawrence J. Dillon
SSN: 485-84-0054

input it into a database so that other technicians may use this information when
repairing a client’s hardware. I also consider and interpret information from a client
when they are purchasing a new computer. I will take that information and guide
the client towards an ideal purchase for them.