Get to know me!
 | IntroductionWelcome to my professional link! Here, you can find my information, experiences, and get a feel for kind of teacher I am. Let me introduce myself: I am Ms. Majewski. I am a graduate of Niagara university and certified in B-6 in NYS. I have worked a summer job for 10 years with all ages, but mostly 10-12 year old girls. This is where I originally found my adoration for working with children. I have spent a lot of my observation and student teaching in grades 2-4. My undergraduate through Erie Community College and University at Buffalo gave me time with infants, toddlers, and preschool. My exracurriculars include travel, reading, playing video games, enjoying local cuisine, seeing movies, spending time with my family, playing with my two kittens, and volunteering. My Teaching Philosophy“If formal instruction is introduced too early, too intensely and too abstractly, the children may indeed learn the instructed knowledge and skills, but they may do so at the expense of the disposition to use them” -Lilian Katz
Early childhood development bases young learning in play, such as the use of sensory tables, dramatic play dress up, open-ended art, or hand manipulatives, at least according to leading theorists such as Vygotsky and Piaget. I personally see this approach as one to integrate into the elementary years instead of breaking off into formal instruction abruptly. My lessons use interesting technology, field trips, photos, videos, experiments, teacher-made materials, natural and real artifacts, template-free artwork, and questions that model real life opportunities so my students understand how and why (instead of just what).
One theorist, Gardner, speaks of nine different learning outlets in which students interpret information. Since some are stronger and weaker in a given form, I teach through a logical, kinesthetic, self, group, musical, visual, and verbal angle. I extend lessons through an interesting opening, two different hands on activities, and a closing thought. Switching up the delivery approach with new information keeps class interesting and engaging instead of routine and dry. Students that see the material in several ways would be keener on linking to it.
Parents are the other major adult role model in the students’ lives and are critical partners in reaching potential. Through short, significant homework assignments and consistent communication family members can see what students are currently concentrating on in the classroom. Students then have the opportunity to discuss material outside of the room and make it a part of their life beyond what we work on. Parents can also provide valuable feedback and assist in getting to know the students. I also welcome parents for unique events like classroom read alouds or social days.
I value my students’ emotions and the need to feel secure and belongingness. Through opportunities to work as a team I hope they will want to share their ideas without fear because they understand we will provide respect and positive criticisms only. Classroom jobs and the use of voting will encourage student engagement in all tasks beyond academics too. I aim to emphasize character development by recognizing good deeds and otherwise using great care on the weight of the infraction. The best I can do is to be a role model of what I am looking for and speak to students with a sincere approach.
Stories bring the reader/listener an adventure beyond dreams; A read aloud or link to a myth, fairytale, etc. will bring joy and interest to a lesson. Quality literature would be those gems remembered through generations, challenged by varied perceptions, and recognized by renowned organizations. This is a ship to which multiple subjects can be sailed together upon. Literature provides an unmatched extension to just presenting the facts.
Combining my major beliefs and aim to bring hands on learning to the classroom help make learning accessible to all; it provides differentiation and gives students more ownership of the material. This improves the likelihood to feel and be successful. They will need to think on higher levels and produce works beyond factual answers. For young children, learning is not about teaching, but about guiding them towards new wonders and risk (while keeping them feeling safe and secure). It is my job to provide that guidance, but not to provide boundaries at the same time. After all...
“What use is knowledge if there is no understanding?” -Stobaeus |
Resume
Lori Majewski
33 Slate Creek Dr Apt4 (716) 316-4911
Cheektowaga, NY 14227 kirbysworld5@aol.com
Certification
New York State Initial Teaching Certification: Birth-6th Grade January 2014
Education
Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY
Masters of Science- Education: Early Childhood and Childhood (B-6) December 2013
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Bachelor of Arts Degree- Social Service: Early Childhood Education May 2010
Erie Community College, Buffalo, NY
Associates Degree in Applied Science- Early Childhood Development May 2008
Student Teaching Experience
Allendale Elementary School, West Seneca, NY – 2nd Grade Fall 2013
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Union East Elementary School, Cheektowaga, NY – 4th Grade Fall 2013
○ Established open hook routines, such as the “Predictor Box” for new ELA read aloud chapters and closing ones, such as the “6 Thinking Hats” to work in a group with several thought process perspectives.
○ Supported students through the new math module program by providing individual assistance and decomposing challenging terminology through relatable examples and manipulatives.
○ Implemented common core aligned lessons that appealed to specific student interest while deepening understanding, such as a tornado storm rotating center day with perimeter poems, summarizing a local storm, designing a book jacket, and creating lightning via a static shock science experiment
○ Attended and assisted in the Multicultural Festival, working a stand with colleagues and volunteer high school students where families can eat Brazil’s local food and participate in marble painting
G.K.A. Center Bethel Head Start, Buffalo, NY – Preschool Spring 2008
○ Created developmentally appropriate lesson plans that included physical movement and social involvement, such as entering a “human bubble” pool
○ Implemented authentic and teacher-made materials whenever possible that uses nature, for example, using a wind gun to demonstrate the strength of straw, stick, and brick for “The Three Little Pigs”
○ Included quality literature in all lessons and all subject areas; performed an Author study on Don and Audrey Wood with a focus on comprehension and sequencing.
○ Established open, positive communication with parents through weekly letters home summarizing experiences and social days to read aloud
Class and Clinical Experiences
Teacher Assistant Union East Elementary School, Cheektowaga, NY Spring 2013
NU supervised a 38hr. placement with a kindergarten classroom where lessons were conducted.
Teacher Assistant Harry F. Abate Elementary School, Niagara Falls, NY Spring 2013
NU supervised a 38hr. placement with a 3rd grade classroom where lessons were conducted.
Learn and Serve Niagara Falls Head Start Center, Niagara Falls, NY Fall 2012
NU supervised a 10hr. placement to observe in a preschool room.
Learn and Serve Harry F. Abate Elementary School, Niagara Falls, NY Fall 2012
NU supervised a 75hr. observational and assistive position in a 3rd grade classroom.
Lab III Adventures in Learning, Buffalo, NY Spring 2007
ECC supervised a 45hr. laboratory experience with toddlers.
Lab II University at Buffalo Child Care Center, Buffalo, NY Spring 2007
ECC supervised a 45hr. laboratory experience with infants 6wks.-18mths.
Lab I University at Buffalo Child Care Center, Buffalo, NY Spring 2007
ECC supervised a 45hr. laboratory experience with preschoolers.
Workshops
Temple Grandin: Asperger's and behavior management, Future Horizons Buffalo November 2013
Resume and Interview Professional Workshop, Niagara University August 2013
Niagara Frontier Reading Council: Workshop and Railroad Tour, Niagara University March 2013
Abate Professional Development Workshop: SLOs, Harry F. Abate School January 2013
Literacy, Math, and Technology Fair, Niagara Fall High School November 2012
War of 1812 Lesson Presentation Event, Brock University October 2012
Race to the Top Workshop, Niagara University September 2012
Child Abuse Workshop, Erie Community College April 2008
Making the Nature Connection, Aurora Waldorf School Fall 2007
Student Conference, AEYC April 2007
Professional Related Experience
Joann Fabrics, Cheektowaga, NY February 2006-Present
Keyholder
○ Closed cash drawers and monitored daily sales, locked merchandise, received packages, monitored payroll and inventory
○ Provided guest service by assisting in the development of hobbies/projects, such as kids crafts, jewelry making, and scrapbooking.
○ Trained new staff in register, cutting counter, stock, recovery and closing duties by modeling, assisting, and supervising.
○ Provided information and sales of education classes and hosted birthday parties through the schedule structure and directions on the craft chosen
Alexander Summer Day Camp, Cheektowaga, NY 2004-Present
Camp Counselor Summers Only
○ Planned recreational activities to meet a provided theme that were differentiated to the developmental appropriateness of ages 4-12 years old; this included art, music, nature, gym, large group, and cooking
○ Participated in activities, including swimming, counselor makeovers, pie eating contests, team games, group competitions (such as “Wear the most Blue” day), and field trips to local events and monuments
○ Keyholder to Dartwood Community Building for opening/closing purposes; monitored before/after camp program and scheduling, parent pick ups, and program fees and bookkeeping
○ Collaborated with coworkers and program directors on safety protocol, procedures, camper needs, parent communication, and activity planning through weekly meetings
Other Certifications
Niagara University, Niagara, NY January 2014
EdTPS process completed
American Red Cross, Buffalo, NY July 2012
Healthcare Provider (CPR & AED) Certification
Study Abroad
Thailand: Classroom Management July 2013
Visited several local schools, temples, and cultural landmarks in Bangkok, Chaing Mai, and Phuket.
Europe (England, France, Italy, Greece): U.S. Student Ambassador July 2004
Visited landmarks, stayed 4 days in a local home stay in Paris, attended multicultural meetings
Australia and New Zealand: U.S. Student Ambassador July 2002
Visited landmarks, stayed 4 days in a local home stay in Auckland, engaged with local wildlife
Volunteer Work
Blood Donor April 2011-Present
Double red cell blood is given to American Red Cross every 156 days
Niagra Frontier Reading Council April 2013
Designed and presented a literacy strategy to attending local elementary teachers about how to implement gallery walks; Also assisted with the day’s program by providing directions and transitioning
Niagara University Open House Info Session April 2013
Assisted with set up and provided information and perspective to visiting potential students and parents about Niagara University’s master’s program; provided sample work from classes in a presented portfolio
MLT Fair November 2012
Created and supervised a math activity stand for Harry F. Abate’s Math-Literacy-Technology Annual Fair by using magnets and cupcakes for families to participate together
Relay for Life September 2010 and 2011
Money was raised, activity for overnight event planned, and attendant to event at University at Buffalo for cancer research
College Participation
Member of Alpha Alpha Delta Education Honor Society November 2013
Member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society April 2013
Member of Tau Sigma Honor Society January 2009
Member of Sign Language Club January 2008
Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society May 2006
Founding Vice President in Erie Community College’s Future Teacher’s Club January 2006
