2516 Gilmerton Rd.

Apt 110-G
Chesapeake, VA 23323
757-292-7107 (cell)
latrel44@gmail.com

SIMONE L. PETERSON
OBJECTIVE
PROFESSION
AL
ACHIEVEME
NTS

To procure a position in the field of education teaching mathematics to the

learning disabled. To teach the whole child and not their disability.

SKILLS

WORK
HISTORY

Consistently praised for dedication, reliability, organization and

effectiveness as one of school district's most in-demand substitutes
and instructional assistants. Filled in for permanent teachers at a
moment's notice; closely adhered to lesson plans; and kept students
motivated, engaged and focused.
Repeatedly selected as a long-term substitute for teachers on
maternity or extended medical leave.
Frequently subbed for absent high school French and special
education teachers as one of the few substitute teachers qualified in
these areas. Showed resourcefulness and teaching effectiveness in
meeting the needs of students with limited proficiency as well as
learning disabilities.
Voluntarily stepped in to run several after-school programs (e.g.,
girls' track coaching, and after-school tutoring) when permanent
teachers were unable to fill these roles.
Incorporated technology into students' learning activities for varied
academic disciplines. Efforts proved so successful in enhancing
student understanding of material that they resulted in invitation to
lead districtwide teacher in-service on "Technology Integration
across the Curriculum."

K-12 Instruction (All Subjects)

Ability to Follow Lesson Plans
Student Records Management

At-Risk & Special Needs Students

Formal & Informal Learner Assessment
Classroom Management & Discipline
Parent / Teacher Communications

Student Engagement
Technology Integration
After-School Programs
IEP Documentation

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT, PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Portsmouth, VA
August 2006-Present
LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, BENTON HARBOR AREA

SCHOOLS
Benton Harbor, MI
September 1998-June 2006

EDUCATION

WALMART INC.
Virginia Beach, VA
June 1996 June 1998
BS INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY,
NORFOLK, VA 2013-PRESENT
GPA in major 3.09
CHEMISTRY/PRE-MED, NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY, NORFOLK, VA
1990-1996
GPA in major 2.76
CHEMISTRY/PRE-MED, ST. AUGUSTINES COLLEGE, RALEIGH, NC
1989-1990
GPA in major 3.21
ADVANCED STUDIES DIPLOMA, OSCAR F. SMITH HIGH SCHOOL,
CHESAPEAKE, VA 1985-1989
GPA 2.96
Outstanding Rookie Band Award
John Philip Sousa Award
French Club
Biology Club

REFERENCES

DR. SUSAN BECHTOL

Principal, Churchland High School
757-686-2500
susan.bechtol@pps.k12.va.us
CATHERINE DRIGGERS
Special Education Department Head, Churchland High School
757-686-2500 ext. 45124
catherine.driggers@pps.k12.va.us
KATHY ATCHER-BROOKS
Assistant Principal, Benton Harbor High School
269-605-1200
kathy.brooks@bhas.org

Regent University
Masters Degree in Special Education

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Simone L. Peterson

Regent Universitys Master of Education in K-12 Special Education (M.Ed.) is designed for individuals
such as me who are seeking a teacher licensure. The program which is approved by the Virginia
Department of Education features increased flexibility with an online delivery, while maintaining a very
practical and engaging approach to learning. The program focuses on the characteristics of students with
disabilities, legal and ethical aspects associated with students with disabilities, collaboration and
consultation, behavior management, social skills training, language acquisition, instructional methods
and assessment. Completion of the program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours; however additional
endorsements/certifications are available for those seeking specific training in autism or a reading
specialist. The program may be completed in 18-24 months with eight-week course sessions which
begin in August, October, January, March, May or July.

As children growing up, we tend to imitate and aspire to be like the people we look up to. Looking back
at my childhood, my passion for working with children comes as no surprise. Like many other females,
growing up in today's society, I was unfortunate to not have a male figure or sibling to model. In my
case, the individual who had a tremendous impact on me and I'd idolize growing up, was my mom, a
single mother of one, who made a living as a factory and ship yard worker until deciding to return to
school.
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Simone L. Peterson

My keen interest for working with children in some capacity derived from my mother always helping
others and later earning her degree and became an Algebra teacher. Seeing how she interacted, and was
so effective with her students really impressed me. I had been surrounded by children my whole life, and
as I got older, I would try my best to lend a hand, mimicking her every approach with children.
By the time I was in high school, I had a strong oriented sense of the career I'd pursue. I began working
with children in various settings, beginning as a baby-sitter and youth counselor at church. As time
progressed I held positions in school settings as a substitute teacher, teachers' assistant, and volunteer
girls track coach. These opportunities were full of experiences I vastly enjoyed and became intrigued
with, as I'd encounter different personalities, behaviors, and issues that left me with either the desire to
help or with inquiries on how I could improve a child's situation.
After my first experience in a school, I grew fond of working with students in a classroom setting. A
sense of gratification had set in at the fact that children were learning, and I was involved in their
educational attainment. It was at that point in time that I knew I would pursue a career in teaching
instead of pediatrics.
Driven by my interest, lack of knowledge and experience, I became motivated to learn more about the
different aspects in the field of education. Graduating with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with
concentrations in math and science would not be the end of my learning experience as I try to keep up to
date with the latest literature and the best practice in the field of education. I began attending teacher
development workshops to expand my knowledge, in order to support and apply while substituting.
After becoming familiar with the different realms of education I became aware of a few things. Among
the many, I noticed that as a prospective teacher it's imperative to expand on ones knowledge in the field
of education, as there are always new methods to be put into practice. Along with the fact that one must
apply successfully what has been learned in order to become a successful teacher.
A man by the name of Clay P. Bedford once said, "You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you
can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives."
Although I have been exposed to various educational settings and have gained knowledge about the field
of education, I feel I have more to learn and achieve in order to reach the goal I have set for myself in
becoming an educator. By pursuing a degree in special education not only am I setting out to achieve my
goal, but I am also feeding the curiosity, will, and passion I have for learning and working with children.

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Simone L. Peterson