Jessica Symes

205-3921 Shelbourne St. Victoria, BC V8P 4H9 250-588-5379 symes.jess@gmail.com

French Immersion/ Core French Specialist (Middle Years)

It is my philosophy as an educator to encourage and empower youth to become active members of their community and society. As a French educator my objective is to help students learn more about our bilingual heritage and gain awareness of British Columbia and Canadas cultural diversity. My teaching experience includes teaching Early French Immersion in an 8-12 High School in a small community as well as English Language Arts, Science and Math in Middle School with additional experience teaching core French to non-Immersion students. As a product of French Immersion, I have a strong background and interest in French language and culture and its link to our national heritage and identity.

Academic Background
2012-Present 2010-2011 2005-2009 University of Victoria Continuing Studies Department - Professional Specialization Certificate in Teaching French Immersion University of Victoria: Bachelor of Education (Middle Years PDPP) University of Victoria: Bachelor of Arts (Major in English minor in Religious Studies)

Experience
COLUMNEETZA SECONDARY SCHOOL, Victoria, BC Oct 2011 Dec 2011 8 week practicum placement in a challenging split grade 8 and 9 French immersion class of 22, a Core French 8 class of 20 and a Core French 9 class of 29 students. Key Contributions: Taught lessons using SMARTBOARD technologies to enhance lessons and teach students to critically analyze internet and media sources. Participated in Collaborative Problem Solving for school Pro-D Efficiently introduced and Team-Taught Literature Circles to French Immersion 8/9 class while the class participated in them for the first time. Conducted oral fluency assessments for both Core and Immersion programs and prepared them for their upcoming DELF assessments. Instructed proper Internet conduct and blog publishing for final stage of writing process. Used differentiated instruction and assessment in the classroom. Assisted with and supervised bus loading zones before and after school. Demonstrated enthusiasm for French learning in the form of singing and dancing to instruct verbs and key vocabulary. Created a teaching website for both students and parents to increase communication with homework and class assignments. Supervised Student-Led conferences during Parent-Teacher interviews.

SHORELINE COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL, Victoria, BC April 2010-May 2010 5 week practicum placement in a grade 7 class composed of 24 students (4 of which with designated IEPs) teaching Language Arts, Art, Science and Math. Key Contributions: Collaborated with other teachers to adapt environmental education resources to appropriate grade level. Planned innovative and co-operative lessons to address multiple intelligences and learning styles. Created interactive math manipulatives and games similar to go-fish for a geometry unit with problem-based learning approaches. Aided with after school homework club. Organized and Supervised field trip to Gorge Discovery Center for demonstrations and activities for a unit about watersheds. Created final projects with multiple options in order to allow all students, including those with IEPs, to show their personal strengths and preferences.

Professional Development:
Spring 2011: BC Teachers Federation New Teachers Conference Vancouver, BC Workshops attended: Understanding and Dealing with difficult student behaviour, Early French Immersion: The basics, Aboriginal Art in your Community, teaching Music in Immersion and New Teachers Triage Fall 2010: Project WILD Workshop Participated in a workshop for environmental awareness and conservation education for all grade levels (k-12). Obtained Project WILD resource book with outdoor education activities and was instructed how to use them in the class.

Teaching Related Work and Volunteer Experience:

2010-Present: Volunteer at John Stubbs Elementary conducting reading and writing assessments for grades 1 and 2 students. Outdoor Adventure Training Department Supervisor and Instructor at HMCS Quadra running the outdoor education and awareness for youth ages 13-17 for 8 weeks for three summers including canoeing, orienteering, hiking, and outdoor survival skills. Tutor 2010-Present: Tutor for two ESL students, Grade 6 and 7, in English, Social Studies, and Math. Tutor for Grade 8 student in English and French Language Arts.

References:
Lynne Rodier, Practicum Supervisor Ph: (250) 297-6228 Jean Oke, Core French Teacher Ph: (250) -392-7488 Joanne Dub, Elementary Teacher Ph: (250) 592-9941 School District #27 Cariboo-Chilcotin email: rodier@xplornet.com Columneetza Secondary School email: jean.oke@sd27.bc.ca John Stubbs Elementary email: jcullen@sd62.bc.ca