Megan E.
Woodford
Address
705 Randi Dr. SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
Email: woodfome@dukes.jmu.edu
Phone #: 703-881-2164
Introduction
When you know it, you just know it. I decided to become a teacher at a very young
age. I was always so excited to come home from school and teach whomever would listen
(even my stuffed animals!). I would ask my teachers for any extra school supplies,
worksheets, or anything they may have had. This excitement for the profession has stuck
with me as I have grown older and it has now turned into my passion. My goal is to use the
skills that I have gained throughout my life to do something good in our society. I want to
share my love for learning with young children and to grow with them each day. I have the
chance to inspire another human being and I will accept this challenge as I step into this
endeavor and walk into the classroom each day.
Educational Experience
I have been fortunate to have had many different opportunities to work with
children. These experiences include [Upwards coaching, teacher cadet experience, Fitwize
instructor & supervisor, substitute teaching, practicum, others?] I have learned so many
lessons while enjoying these experiences. In my eyes, the first and most important lesson
is to remember that no two children are alike. All children have a different background and
need various levels of support. If you treat them all the same then you might get through to
only one of the whole group when the goal is to get through to all of them. I have also
learned that the best way for children to learn is through play. Playing gives students the
opportunity to explore and discover on their own. While doing this, the children are
engaged and learning without even realizing it. Children have reminded me that it is
important to accept your mistakes. People in my generation are often scared of making a
mistake so they opt to not try. In my opinion, this fear of taking risks is often learned over
time. This reminds me to own up to my mistakes when making them and to encourage
students to be open to making mistakes and learn from their mistakes. Another lesson that
I have learned is the importance of modeling. The children that I have worked with have
taught me to always act the part. Modeling is one of the most important things that can be
done to help children learn. It is important to use every moment as a teachable moment
even when unplanned. If something occurs or is said that all of the students will benefit
from, I believe there is nothing wrong with turning it into something to learn. I am very
lucky to have had so many different occasions in which I have worked with children. I plan
to use these lessons to better myself as I continue this path to work with children.
Teaching Philosophy
Education is a living, breathing thing that is vigorous and alive. It is not just data
analysis. It is not just numbers and words. Instead it is a continuing life process, which we
grow and become the best version of ourselves. I believe that all children have the ability to
learn and grow in different ways. As a teacher, it is my job to create a community within my
classroom in which all of my students feel valued and safe. I believe that as a teacher it is
my job to reach each student based on his or her individual strengths and weaknesses. I
must strive to provide appropriate instruction in which each student has the opportunity
to reach his/her full potential. My goal is to focus on making each day and each experience
within my classroom fun, interactive, and engaging to ensure that it is meaningful
experience for all.
Education
James Madison University
Graduate Degree (Master of Arts in Teaching)
Concentration: Mathematics and Science
Projected completion date: May 2019
James Madison University
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
Minors: Elementary Education, Exceptional Education Non-teaching
Completion Date: May 2018
Cumulative GPA: 3.4
Education GPA: 4.0
Teacher Licensure Area
Elementary Education PreK-6 (math and science concentration)
Mathematics- Algebra 1 (add-on)
Exceptional Education Non-Teaching Minor
Employment Experience
Camp director and counselor, Fitwize 4 Kids, June 2010- Present
Substitute Teacher, Loudoun County Public Schools (Fall 2015-Fall 2017)
Cheer and tumble coach, Fitwize 4 Kids (June 2010- August 2016)
Relevant Activities
Kappa Delta Pi, fall 2017- Present
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg, fall 2015- Present
Club cheerleading, fall 2014- spring 2016
Upward Cheerleading Coach (December 2011-February 2012)
Classroom volunteering/assisting in elementary schools (i.e. Teacher Cadet in LCPS)
Sunday school teacher (4/5 year olds), 2 years
Babysitting
Nanny, 1 summer
Special Skills
Working knowledge of SmartBoards and Prometheans
Experience in creating blogs and online portfolios
Knowledge of educational apps
Working knowledge of Apple and Microsoft
