Mireya Gonzalez

mireyagonzalez18@yahoo.com
Cell (559) 391-7000

Thank you in taking the time to review my portfolio. I am applying for this position

because I am looking to use my degree in teaching Elementary Education. I have recently

graduated from Fresno State credential program. Throughout my time at Fresno state I have

taken courses that have prepared me for this teaching position. I have also worked with students

k-5 for six months and have volunteered at middle schools to help students with their writing. I

enjoy helping students achieve above and beyond their requirements. Teaching has been my

passion since I was about five years old and would play school in my bedroom with my brothers

and sister. I remember one day my parents came home with a desk, it was the best thing they

could have ever gotten for me. I would finally have my students sit on a real desk. That day I

made sure that all my students were taught that day. I would use my brothers old school books

and have them complete a different page each day and I would also pretend to that I was teaching

them what was on the paper. I’ve known that I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, it was clarified

to me when my fifth-grade teacher helped me achieve my reading and math goal. I had started

off below average in the class and if it wasn’t for her believing in me, I would not be where I am

today. She made a huge difference throughout my life, to me she was the first person who

believed in me. She put a high expectation on me which helped to achieve more than I was

accustom too. I was inspired by the support and dedication that she showed upon me to be that

teacher that does not give up on their students, to be not only their teacher but their mentor as

well. I believe that children are the seeds to the future, they are the future. Once they are planted,

they don’t stop growing. It is our responsibly to assure that they receive the best possible

education possible and if I am hired I will make sure they do.

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Courses Taken

- Communication 114
- Math 10A/B
- Writing in the K-8 C1
- California Studies 110

The courses listed have prepared me to become the educator I am today. The courses have

challenged me and helped me self- reflect throughout my time at Fresno State. These courses

have shaped me into the educator that I am and will become. Communication 114 has been one

of the most helpful courses that I have taken throughout my time at Fresno state. Throughout the

course I have learned how important the setting of a classroom can be to influence and promote

learning, taught me about different learning styles and most importantly has opened my eyes on

improving myself everyday to help become an excellent educator. Math10A/B has helped see

how learning can be made interesting by adding a few interesting facts into the lesson. Writing in

the K-8 has helped me understand how writing through the child’s eyes and how to write in each

grade level. California Studies 110 has opened my eyes to the history of the nation that we live

in. The course unlocked passages that were untold to me as a child. The real history of how the

United states came to be. All these courses mentioned have not only helped me as a person but

also as an educator.

Experience working with children

Experience #1
I have worked with children for about six months now in an after-school program. I

started working with children in fourth and fifth grade during summer. Throughout my time with

the both grade levels, I created lessons that included both stem projects and physical education

activities. We did rotations every hour for three hours and three classes. The students had ELA,

Mathematics and Stem/physical education rotations in which three teachers would have their

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own subject. I was in charge of making sure the students were gaining knowledge on stay active

and healthy as well as their memories fresh for school. I was also in charge of creating water

games for the kids to play on fun Friday and also plan/create schedules for the days that would

include fun activities.

Experience # 2

I have also worked with first and second graders in a different after school program in

which I have my own classroom create lessons to use daily. In this program I am responsible that

each student receives a snack and gets their homework done by the end of the day. I am also

responsible for creating activities for the students which include having them busy the time they

are in program. Students first have homework time then begin their reading activity until the

whole class has finished with homework. Once the whole class has finished, I go on to teach the

students a lesson on learning something new. My goal with my lessons is to have each student

learn something new every day.

Experience # 3

I have recently started working with six grade students during school hours, where I help

them with their writing assignments and help them achieve beyond the requirement. We work

together throughout their assignments and read through the instructions together to reach full

knowledge of the assignment. I help guide students in creating a stable homework schedule and

mentor them as well.

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References

Crystally Sanchez

(559) 590-5421

SanchezC1990@gmail.com

Site lead at Mc cord Elementary After school Program, in charge of running the whole program.

Have known and worked for them for four months now, she is my site lead at Mc cord

elementary. She is in charge to make sure that everyone is doing their job correctly and makes

sure the teachers have all the supplies they need in the classroom. She has been a great

inspiration in my career, she has shown me how important and amazing children can be.

Juan Torres

(559) 643-1613

Jtorres_24@gmail.com

Site lead at Mc cord Elementary After school Program, in charge of the running whole

program. I have known and worked for them for four months now, he is my site lead at Mc cord

elementary. He is in charge to make sure that everyone is doing their job correctly and makes

sure the teachers have all the supplies they need in the classroom.

Hope Rodríguez

(559) 391-7169

Site Lead at Sheridan Elementary After school Program, in charge of the running whole

program. I have known and worked for them for six months now. John has been someone that

has trained me for my career. Hope helped me learn to deal with behavior issues throughout my

time at Sheridan. Has not only been my boss but also my mentor.

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Teaching Philosophy

Throughout the classes I have taken at Fresno state and the experiences in the classroom,

I have developed a personal teaching philosophy that will be implemented into my future

classrooms. I will adapt my classroom based on the students needs and have lessons prepared

implementing all the learning strategies throughout the lesson. One of my goals is to have all the

students being active leaners throughout the lesson each school day and to incorporate movement

throughout my lessons. For myself movement helped me learn throughout school, it did not

matter the subject.

Another goal I have for myself is to use preventive and supportive behavior strategies. I

would make this possible by having the children be engaged throughout the lessons and have

clear expectations on what will be expected throughout the school year. I would achieve this by

having daily objectives that include the rules. I would also create clear punishment levels that the

students will have a clear understanding to. This will help create a system which will help the

students think before they act. Included with this plan is self-reflecting, students will be having

time to self-reflect and have a fresh start. This goal will help create a safe environment in the

classroom. Students will be aware of expectations but will also be aware of consequences of bad

behavior.

From my experiences in the education system, I know how crucial teacher

encouragement and motivation is for a student’s motivation. As a student my teacher played a big

factor in my success. I intend to not only motivate my students but also be their mentor. Helping

them challenge themselves to achieve and create higher expectations. I believe that students

should push themselves to their limits to help them achieve more. You learn more if you push

and test yourself instead of playing it safe.

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 Attributes of an effective teacher

There are many attributes to an effective teacher but the most important ones that I

believe make an effective teacher is being kind, caring, patient, and fair. It is important that a

teacher is kind to each student and respects their ideals. The students must feel safe in the

classroom they are in. Having a safe environment for the students is strongly related to their

learning and development. A strong attribute that makes an effective teacher is being caring, it is

important, the teacher is involved and dedicated to improving the student’s education. A teacher

who is caring towards the students tends to have students improve in their work. Students tend to

want to impress their teachers as a sign of acceptance. I do believe that each person who going

into the career of teaching needs to have patience. Patience is key to teaching, it is needed

throughout the career. Students learn at different speeds and many times need clarification on the

lesson. Making sure that all students are being treated as equal is important in the classroom.

Students get discouraged when they are not being treated equal, it also creates a bad environment

for the students which can affect their learning. It is very important that each student feels safe in

at school. An effective teacher can make the students day brighter by being kind, caring, patient

and fair.

Community (Acronym)
Stay focused
Take responsibility
Respect Everyone
Inspire others
Value Education
Expect Success

I have chosen this acronym because it helps the students stay safe, be respectful and be
responsible of their own actions. It not only creates expectations for the kids to meet but also
encourages them to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It creates a team in the
classroom.

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Tic-Tac-Toe choice menu: Comparing and contrasting (grades 1st -3rd)

Directions:
Start with the box that has a star and then make two other choices to make a line and complete
the tic-tac-toe.

Dissect two objects by

Where can you use
Compare and contrast?
Use a map or chart that can
be used to compare and
contrast two objects
labeling the similarities and
differences. Use a red
crayon to show the
difference and use a blue
crayon to show the
similarities of the two
objects.

Create a two-day schedule Create two story books

which shows similarities
and difference between
both days. High light the
similarities using a green
highlighter and the
difference using a yellow
highlighter.
showing compare and Use a map or chart that can
contrast and explain what is be used to compare and
being compared and contrast two objects.
contrasted between both
stories.

Start Here

Draw an image of two

Why is compare and
contrast important?
(include three reasons)
Draw two pictures showing
compare and contrast being
illustrated throughout both
images.
people showing comparing
and contrasting. Include a
short response on what is
being compare and
contrasted.

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1. Create two story books showing compare and contrast and explain what is being
compared and contrasted between both stories.

Students will be creating two story books in which they can use their imagination. They
will be the authors and illustrators. The are required to show both similarities and
differences throughout the stories. Students will then after write a short response on what
is being compared and contrasted.

2. Where can you use Compare and contrast? How/Why? (Three examples)

Students will give three examples where compare and contrast can be used and how/why.

3. Create a two-day schedule which shows similarities and difference between both
days. High light the similarities using a green highlighter and the difference using a
yellow highlighter.

Students will be creating a two-day schedule in detail on what they will do on each of
those days. They will be comparing and contrasting both days by using highlighters to
distinguish the similarities and differences.

4. Why is compare and contrast important? (include three reasons)

Students will give three reasons on why comparing and contrasting is important.

5. Use a map or chart that can be used to compare and contrast two objects

Students will be using a map or chart to compare and contrast two objects. They will need to have
three sections in total one for the similarities and two for the differences of each object.

6. Draw two pictures showing compare and contrast being illustrated throughout both
images.

Students will be creating two pictures which illustrate comparing and contrasting
between the two. The images can be anything they would like as long as it illustrates what is
required.

7. Dissect two objects by labeling the similarities and differences. Use a red crayon to
show the difference and use a blue crayon to show the similarities of the two objects.
Students will choose two object and draw them both on a sheet of paper. They will then begin to
dissect the to objects by labeling the similarities and differences between the two

8. Draw an image of two people showing comparing and contrasting. Include a short
response on what is being compare and contrasted.
Students will be drawing two different images of people which will need to show the two
having similarities and differences. They will then include a short response on what they
notice about the similarities and differences between the two.

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Teacher: Mireya Gonzalez (Ms. Gonzalez) Grade Level: 2nd Grade

CCSS: English Language Arts (Choose from - Reading: Literature, Reading: Informational Text, Writing, or Speaking
& Listening)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.9
Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic
Objective: Students will be able to Identify the similarities and differences between two literature pieces.

1. Students will demonstrate their skills on analyzing and evaluating different types of texts.
2. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the concept by using it with their past experiences.

Anticipatory Set: Check for Understanding:

Students will watch a short video that introduces the concept of compare and
contrast. The video will discuss example of what compare and contrast are. We CFU #1:
will discuss the ideas that were introduced in the video and how they can be Compare and Contrast image of apple
related to our one lives. and orange by describing details. (see
We will discuss the importance of comparing and contrasting and where it can input/modeling)
be incorporated into.

Input/Modeling: CFU #2:

Instructor will show students two different images, one of an apple and one of Create Venn diagram comparing and
an orange that they will be comparing and contrasting. Instructor will create a Contrasting two characters from the
Venn diagram of compare and contrast the two pictures. show SpongeBob SquarePants. (see
Guided practice)
We will discuss different ways of showing comparing and contrasting.
CFU #1
Guided Practice: CFU #3:
As a class we will listen to two different short clips and identify the key
components of each clip then identify the similarities and differences of the two. Discuss and Compare and contrast two
Instructor will ask the students if they have seen the show of SpongeBob favorite candy bars with a partner (see
SquarePants. Most likely the students will say yes or will have an understanding independent practice)
of the show. We as a class will be creating a Venn diagram on the board in
which each student will contribute to. Each student will either choose a
similarity or difference of a character from the show to initially show an
understanding of the objective.

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 Questions:
 What does it mean to
compare? Contrast?
 How are comparing and
contrasting similar/different?
 What are other words for
compare? Contrast?
 Compare and contrast two
different family members.
 How are all the characters in
SpongeBob different and
alike?
 Why is it important to know
by Unknown Author is licensed under
CFU #2 how to compare and
Closure contrast?
Obj: Students will learn to identify the similarities and differences between two
literature pieces.  When would you be asked to
compare and not contrast?
Key concepts learned:
 Students will have learned how to compare and contrast and why it is
important to learn the concept.
Homework
Students will be able to answer the following questions:

 What does it mean to compare? Contrast?

 How are comparing and contrasting similar/different?

 When would you be asked to compare and not contrast?

 What are other words for compare? Contrast?

Independent Practice:
Students will create a diagram on the similarities and differences of
Snickers bar and a Twix candy bar. They will be creating a venn diagram on a
sheet of paper as the instructor goes around the room to check for understanding
of concept. They will then turn it in to the instructor at the end of class. by Unknown Author is licensed
under
CFU #3
Students will demonstrate understanding by creating a diagram that shows
comparing and contrasting using the text “First Day Jitters” by Julie
Dannenberg. The students will read the book then compare and contrast
themselves to the book. They will be comparing their first day of second grade
with all the emotions that they felt on their first day to the main character in the
book. They will be completing the assignment as homework which we will then
discuss the following day.

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Classroom management

Classroom Rules

Listen and follow instructions

Enter and exit prepared

Always try your best

Respect yourself and others

NO excuses!

These rules that I will be using in my classroom have the students be respectful to each

other, be prepared when entering and exiting class and follow directions. It is important for each

classroom to have them main rules to keep the class not only structured and safe but also to

ensure as much learning as possible. The rules are not only simple but also easy to learn at any

grade level.

View on Classroom Management

Classroom management is the most important factor in a classroom. If there is no

classroom management and structure, then the class will be difficult to maintain. Students need a

structured class to enhance their learning. When I was in elementary school, it was important for

me to know what was going to be happening next. I liked knowing that the day was planned and

that the instructor was following the plan. I would have a harder time learning when the

instructor would change the schedule. I myself like to have my days planned as well. When I first

got hired to be the after school program teacher for first grade. I had to come up with activities to

do with the children every day that I went in. I was also only able to go into the classroom with

the class three days a week in which two days they either had a substitute or were separated into

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different classrooms, it was difficult for the kids to follow along with the crazy schedule.

Students began to have behavior issues in the class because they did not like that everyday was a

different schedule or different teacher. I was unsure why the students were acting out until one

day a student went up to be while we were lining up and said “why don’t you come? When

you’re not here they separate us in different classrooms”. As the student was saying this to me

his facial expression was sad. It was a surprise for me that he didn’t like the situation, he has

always been a student that doesn’t like to be in class. At that moment I realized that not having a

structure with classroom management was having a bad affect on the children. I talked to my site

lead and came up with a plan to have the children stay in one classroom with a teacher. I would

be creating plans for the class. By having classroom management, the were able to be in a safe

and secure environment. Behavior issues decreased drastically in the next couple of days.

Students began to feel safer and confident around me.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

My understanding of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is to teach

behavior expectations and have a clear and positive understanding of them. Rewarding students

for following them instead, of waiting for misbehavior to occur before responding. The purpose

of PBIS is to establish a positive environment by creating positive behavior choices and

improving school safety. I do believe that Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports does

help with behavioral problems. Students like to feel a part of something and if the students are

following directions and are getting rewarded for it, they will continue because they will have the

memory of being rewarded.

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 There are many positive effects in using PBIS. One in which it helps students distinguish

between acceptable behaviors and non-acceptable. By helping students distinguish the two types

of behaviors it promotes a safe school environment which is beneficial for everyone. Including

positive behavior in the classroom also helps students stay engage in learning and does not break

their self-esteem. PBIS is a great way to promote positive behavior and encourages students to be

a part of something bigger.

Pedagogy Definition

Pedagogy refers to the way things are set up in the classroom and learning tasks. The way

that students are being taught and how it is that the teacher is doing so. How the teacher is using

their skills to teach the students and what skills they are using to teach it . It is how to get the

students to be involved and interested in learning the lesson. It helps the students engage during

learning activities. Pedagogy is the effort that is being put into a lesson while it is being taught

and how the students are responding to the lesson and how they are responding to it.

Another part of pedagogy is the interaction between the teacher and the student. The

interaction that occurs throughout the lessons and how they both relate. It is how the teacher is

creating a safe environment for all students in which they feel safe to interact in and how the

teacher is interacting with the students during lessons. The interaction between a student and

teacher is important during learning, without interaction there is not enough learning or no

learning at all. Interacting with students is key to learning, helps them feel included and involved

in the activity.

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Diversity in the classroom

There are many ways to accommodate a diverse class. Some of those methods would be

to would be to have enough space if there would ever be a student in a wheel chair, he would be

able to get by without struggling. Having supplies placed at a level where every student can

reach. Another method would be to have wiggle chairs and playdough available if students feel

like the have a bit more energy days during school. Also having sensor games and calming glitter

bottles to help the students who need to settle down before being the lesson. It is also important

to have different cultures showing throughout the whole classroom to encourage student to

accept and learn about many cultures and background.

Personal intercultural experience

I watched my little nephew learn to hold his own bottle then learn to crawl and shortly

after learning to walk. My family and I began to talk to him, we had begun to read books to him.

He was approaching the two-year mark, still no first word. Nothing. He began to dislike being

around a large group of people and disliked it when his schedule would be changed. He began to

have behavioral outbreaks. It wasn’t until his parents took him to a pedestrian where they

diagnosed him with Autism when we finally understood what was happening. Before he was

diagnosed, we didn’t even know what it was. He began to go to a school specializing with

children with autism. He has been attending the school for three months now and we have seen

some huge improvements in his daily routine. He has learned to color on a sheet of paper without

breaking a crayon. He does not have behavioral outbreaks like he used too. As his aunt and

future educator, I have also been doing my research on what works to help him learn and it has

opened my eyes to every aspect of his needs. Because of him I will have a greater understanding

of what accommodations can be made throughout the classroom to help learning.

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 Inspirations
Throughout my time at Fresno state I have came across a few authors that have caught

my attention. An author that has helped me understand the classroom and teaching has been

Robert G. Powell and Dana L. Powell. Their book Classroom communication and diversity has

helped understand the importance of the set up of a classroom to the different learning types and

how to accommodate them. It has also taught me to deal with behavior issues and how important

classroom management is in the classroom. I have enjoyed reading the whole book, it was very

informational towards my career choice. It has helped me grow as an educator. Another author

that has inspired me has been Kathleen Stassen Berger from the book the developing person

through childhood and adolescence. I read the book throughout my child family science course I

took fall 2017. The book has helped understand the developmental process of a child. It starts

from the day one is born until they are a full adult. It opened my eyes to the stages that children

go through in their early years. I have been fortunate enough to have been introduced to these

authors as a student myself. I was inspired by their mindset on children and the classroom.

Throughout my time receiving an education one of my favorite lessons has been on the

cycle of a fetus. It intrigued me that we are first a single cell develop into a person. It is

fascinating how it all works perfectly. I enjoyed the lesson because the instructor didn’t leave any

details out, it was the first time in my life I was being taught how we develop into a person.

Inspiration has come from many places for me, but my favorite inspiration has been my

fifth-grade teacher. She inspired me to become a better person. She is not only the first and only

teacher that ever believed that I can achieve anything. But has also been the person to push me to

go above and beyond of the expectations. She helped create a mindset in which I am the only

person who determines who I will be. She helped me when I was having trouble with school. She

help me to believe in myself and that was the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me.

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