Esther Brandon

98B Charles River Road, Waltham, Ma, 02453 (401) 338-3397 estee.brandon@gmail.com
http://estherbrandon.weebly.com/ for Online Teaching Portfolio
PROFILE
Passionate teacher dedicated to expand the use of technology in education. Enthusiastic seeker of new
instructional technologies who is focused on best teaching practices.
SKILLS
Operating Systems: Linux, Mac OS, Windows
Web 2.0 Tools: CMS, Twiki, Google Sites, Blackboard Collaborate, Adobe Connect, Wordpress
Assistive Technology: Digital Pens, Dragon Naturally Speaking, extensive knowledge of websites with AT
tools & low-tech solutions, Frequency Modulation systems, Snap & Read, Talking Calculators
Learning Management Systems: Moodle (LATTE), Connexus, Schoology, Google Classroom
Software: Audacity, Edmentum Sensei (Study Island), Endnote, Google Apps Microsoft Office Suite, People
Soft (SAGE), Skills Tutor, Testing Site Manager & DRC Insight (WIDA Access Exam), TestNav (PARCC
Exam), Ticketing systems (Request Tracker, Jira Service Desk & Issue Aware), Turn It In & Check My Work,
Video editing (iMovie & Media Chalk), Write To Learn, Yearbook Avenue
Languages: Spanish (Intermediate) & Japanese (Beginner)
Leadership: Conflict Resolution; Critical Thinking; Customer Service; Fundraising Grants; Teaching
EXPERIENCE
TEC Connections Academy, Walpole, MA
Aug 2015 Present
English Language Learner Coordination for Grades K-12
Manage all aspects of the English Language Learning (ELL) Program
Design language curriculum for ELL students using a variety of technologies
Provide professional instruction for colleagues in the use of educational technologies
Set up & install DRC technologies for the administration of the WIDA Access Exam
Organize & administer the WAPT & WIDA Access Exams
Actively participate in professional learning & policy workshops
Ensure compliance for state & federal mandates for ELL students
English Language Arts Teacher for Grades 11 & 8
Instruct English education through the LMS Connexus & outreach phone calls
Administer 11th grade LMS courses & train colleagues in LMS usage
Troubleshoot issues & support Connexus for students & parents
Devise & implement virtual enrichment activities & modifications for students
Utilize assistive technologies for students in special education programs
Work collaboratively with other teachers, counselors, & support staff
Promote the use of educational technologies to meet student needs
Lead marketing sessions with perspective parents & students
Charles E. Brown Middle School, Newton, MA
Sept 2014 June 2015
Special Education Aide for Grade 7
Assisted twelve 7th grade students in one-on-one, small group & classroom settings
Implemented & maintained Schoology LMS for student instruction
Trained teachers in assistive technology mandated for students in special education programs
Administered PARCC exams using TestNav
Organized The Giving Project Fundraiser & AIDS Walk Boston; Faculty adviser for Yearbook

Student Teacher Special Education for Grade 8

May-June 2014
Led one-on-one & small group academic support sessions for students who require assistive technologies
Student Teacher ELA for Grade 8
Sept 2013-May 2014
Produced & implemented interactive curriculum leveraging Smart Boards, Google Classroom & Google Drive
Brandeis University, Waltham, MA
Jan 2011July 2014
Technology Help Desk Consultant, Library and Technology Services
Designed distance learning training course & assessments for 35 Help Desk employees through Moodle
Solved complex technology problems encountered by ~7,000 University faculty, staff, & students
Supported & trained faulty on utilizing University systems (e.g. Moodle, Sage, PeopleSoft, Google Apps)
Created & updated technical documentation for internal & external audiences through Web Content
Management System, Google Sites & Twiki
Distance Learning Technology Assistant
Summers 20132014
Provided LATTE & Blackboard Collaborate support to online course participants
Developed Blackboard training documentation for RABB students, professors, & Help Desk employees
Teaching Assistant for Professor Gordon Fellman
Prepared & delivered university seminar lectures & led small discussion groups
Collaborated with professor on LATTE content & online-activities
Provided academic & technological support to students at office hours & via e-mail

SeptDec 2012

University of Connecticut Archaeological Field School, Pequot Reservation, CT

Teaching Assistant for Professor Kevin McBride
Taught proper excavation techniques including units, test pits & grid systems
Tutored students in & reviewed artifact recovery forms with emphasis on accuracy

AprAug 2012

Nirayama High School, Shizuoka, Japan

SeptDec 2008
Teaching Assistant for Japan Exchange & Teaching Program
Instructed two English courses, produced English language curriculum, graded assignments & tutored students
SOCIAL JUSTICE EXPERIENCE
The Peace Abbey, Sherborn, MA
Applied for grants, organized community events & fundraisers, implemented projects

SeptDec 2011

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Providence, RI

JuneAug 2011
Corresponded with constituents on Senator's behalf, conducted policy research, assisted office operations
Organized community fundraising event

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Making the Most of Technology in the Classroom, University of California San Diego
April 2016
Online Test Administration & Coordination (ACCESS for ELLs), WIDA
Jan 2016
Schoology Learning Management System, Framingham State University
May 2015
National Peace Alliance & Nonviolent Communication Conference, Southwestern University
May 2010
Brandeis Rape Crisis Hotline Training, Brandeis University
Sept Dec 2010

EDUCATION
MA Licensure
Massachusetts Initial License for English, 5-8 & 8-12
Massachusetts Initial License for Middle School Humanities, 5-8
Massachusetts Initial License for Moderate Disabilities, 5-12 (pending)
Massachusetts Endorsement for Sheltered English Immersion
Brandeis University, Master of Arts in Teaching
July 2014
Secondary Education: English Literature
Brandeis University, Bachelor of Arts
Dec 2012
Majors: Anthropology (Concentration: Archaeology) and International & Global Studies
Minor: Peace, Conflict & Coexistence Studies
Magna Cum Laude with High Honors - GPA of 3.8 - Deans List
University of Connecticut, Archaeological Field School, Mashantucket Pequot Reservation
AprAug 2011