CREATING CRITICAL THINKERS
Contact Laura Thompson (mailto:gloriadei2004@yahoo.com)
I have come to realize how vital Catholic education and sound catechesis are in young people’s preparation in becoming “the person God created them to be.”Each Catholic school is a microcosm of the Church, and Catholic education’s primary directive is solid faith formation built upon the centuries of Catholic teachings and tradition. I created this website as a resource for prospective employers. This page contains among other information my philosophy of education and my philosophy of ministry. I hope that this information might give you more insight into my goal and objectives as a Catholic school teacher and minister to youth and young adults. As a Catholic educator, I strive to instill an enduring faith through sound catechesis, an engaging environment which inspires a love of learning and a desire for growing self-awareness through living the faith we profess—in each and every one of my students. Additional pages found at my website are included to illustrate things I have done as a teacher of Religion and Social Science in the middle/junior high grades. (see video resume)
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POSITION
SOUGHT – Educator in Public or Catholic School teaching Language Arts, Social
Science, Business Ed, Special Education and/or Religion (Theology) at the
secondary level (6 – 12)
With nine years instructional experience with students from diverse
socio-economic backgrounds; broad-ranging skills in classroom and
nontraditional settings, I have gained knowledge and experience in developing,
implementing and evaluating curriculum, especially the integration of
“across-the-curriculum” instruction. I have the dexterity to individualize
curriculum for students with special needs. I believe in providing a safe
environment where each individual is valued and respected. I am able to
demonstrate the ability to creatively interpret abstract concepts; foster
student creativity, curiosity and self-awareness; and identify and promote
“living the faith we profess.” I facilitate my students who gain the ability to
make connections between teachings of the Church and “real life.”
Profile
Classroom Instruction – I am committed to creating a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating and encouraging as well as safety-conscious and observant of student behaviors and actions. I’d describe my management style to be proactive. I state clear expectations and employ natural consequences. I strive to the build the self-esteem of my students by encouraging their understanding of cultural diversity, physical limitations and learning abilities. I often perform Environmental Inventories to create individualized instruction. My uncompromising focus is on improving critical thinking skills. The use my own flexibility and adaptability, resourcefulness, organizational and interpersonal skills come in handy when assisting learning through a well-managed, positive, encouraging environment.
Education
Relationships – I am a team player adept at establishing and fostering
cooperative professional relationships with teachers, parents and
administrators. I use a diplomatic (positive) approach to parent-teacher
communication (ex.
Personal
Attributes – Having dealt with a broad diversity of education professionals,
students and parents, I believe in establishing trust through open, honest
communication. Again, this makes clear expectations important. I am highly
motivated to expand knowledge and skills in and beyond areas of certification.
I have accrued over 300 CPDU’s. In the last three years have gained additional
endorsements including an LBS I endorsement. I have self-published
nearly a dozen resources and constructed an extensive website. I have
volunteered in two local ministries and acquired many hours of spiritual
development. I am well-organized and adroit at multi-tasking and prioritizing
tasks.
Strengths
§ Capable teacher thoroughly grounded
in Roman Catholic Faith
§ Combine discipline plan with
effective procedures and varied lessons on character formation to attract and
enforce student accountability
§ Student motivator – can use cooperative learning and other student-directed
learning process techniques to cultivate inclusively and build teamwork, goal
setting and zones of proximal development
§ Develops useful daily lesson plans
and instructional resources
§ Integrates technology in instruction
and learning
§ Capable of individualizing
instruction for students with special needs
Education
LBSI Endorsement
December 2012
(ISBE Letter of Approval – February 2013)
M.
January 2005
MA in Education
August 1996
MBA/MLIS
Dominican University, River Forest, IL
no degree - additional graduate work of 51 s.h.
BA in Liberal Arts
Philosophy of Education
The foundational purpose of public education
is enculturation into citizenship. The initial purpose of public education was
to help diverse populations to integrate into the American culture and “way of
life.” I would add that my personal philosophy includes guiding individuals to
become critical thinkers and self-aware individuals in order to function in our
rapidly changing society. Schools are more than a building… or even a
population of students; they are a microcosm of the larger society. Schools are
the laboratories where children gain the self-confidence to delve into all the
questions and concerns of “real-life.” The ideal environment is positive,
supportive, and non-judgmental and values the contribution and presence of each
individual. Growth and discovery take place through open and positive
communications fostering mutual respect between students, teachers, and
parents. How does learning happen? My philosophy is to relate what’s going on
in the class to real life situations. When I teach history, I use primary
sources. When teaching English/Reading, the novels’ protagonist faces similar
problems to those faced by my students. When teaching Math and/or Science, I
focus on problem-solving and solution-planning. Learning is not the
regurgitation of textbook facts or the teacher’s thoughts. True learning
involves thinking that engages the senses as well as the mind. This means
designing instruction that engages as many modalities as possible in an active
way. Curriculum and instruction are student-centered enabling the teacher to
facilitate the learning.
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My
Philosophy of Catholic
Education
The central
purpose of Catholic education is the propagation of the faith—faith formation.
If Catholic schools are no different than public schools we may as well close
our doors. Our schools are institutions of instruction but foremost they are
institutions of formation. Therefore, Catholic schools should be producing
saints. As a Catholic teacher, I am teaching a subject or perhaps several
subjects—but first and foremost I am guiding students to becoming the person
God has called them to be. This is done by providing a firm foundation in the
teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith, AND by living a life that
expresses the faith we profess. Catholic schools are more than a building… or
even a population of students; they are a microcosm of the Church. Parochial
schools are a community where children gain the faith and the ability to live
as Catholic Christians. The school environment should emulate the Christian ideal—positive,
supportive, non-judgmental but one that challenges us to grow in relationship
with
Philosophy of Ministry
Our
young people are starving for spiritual nourishment. Ministering to them is
helping them realize (make real/actualize) their need for God’s love…and to
share that love with those around them. Jesus shapes the way in which I am to
understand my role in ministry. I merely strive to mirror Jesus to those I
serve. In him, I find the focus, characteristics and behaviors needed to build
God’s kingdom. As a minister I will strive to develop a holistic way of
following Jesus….through catechesis, prayer and worship, life and service.
Teaching Experience
2013 – Working as per diem Substitute
in Special Education in Naperville SD 203, Lincoln-way Area Special Education
843 and Suburban Area Special Education of DuPage (Sased).
01/2012 – 06/2012
Paraprofessional
LaGrange School Dist. 105
Supervisor:
Primary and 1:1
08/2006 – 06/2009
Junior High Teacher
St. Alexander School (NCLB Blue Ribbon School) in Palos Heights, IL
Principal: Pat Lynch 708/448-0408 Salary - $32,345
Teaching 6th Religion, 8th Religion
and US History
Additional Work Experience
11/2006 – 10/2007
Tutor & ACT/SAT Test Prep
Huntington Learning Center, Frankfort, IL
Supervisor:
Michelle Newcomb
Additional Skills
I have had
formation in a secular institute as well as a religious congregation and having
worked in Catholic schools, RE/RCIA, and at a small Catholic publisher I have
studied the GIRM and have knowledge of music and the liturgy. My recent coursework updated
my skills for individualized instruction, PBIS and CBM. My last
teaching position included Smart Boards and Mimeo Xi Software in
the classroom and I use power point almost every day. I have devised rubrics
and student portfolio assessments. I have been using computers since
1985, so I am proficient in both PC and Mac platforms. I am proficient in MS
Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), MS
Publisher, MS Works, Quark, and Windows Live Movie Maker. My years as a
classroom teacher using Macs helped me develop skills using MS Office for Macs,
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"Laura's positive can-do attitude brought a very positive outlook to work each day. I am sure she will have much success in her future endeavors." -- Jan Dell, SASED EC Multi-needs classroom
"Laura brings a ministerial heart to all that she does. I am sure she will be an asset to your program."
-- Dr. Mary Fisher, Lewis University
"Ms. Thompson provides meaningful experiences in faith and spirituality for her students. She gives them many prayer opportunities. She presents well organized lessons and has a good rapport with her students." --Patricia Lynch, Principal at Saint Alexander School
"Laura is always well prepared and offers creative lessons and projects to engage her students."
--Karen Curran, Co-worker at St. Alexander School
"Ms. Thompson has been absolutely wonderful and I would offer her a position if one was available. She takes on the responsibilities of this FMLA sub position and added a few responsibilities on her own. She brings a depth of faith to her students and a spirit of collaboration and cooperation to the school community." --Jackie Chiaramonte, Principal at St.Al/St.Pat School
"Ms. Thompson is an excellent Catholic role model. As a first year teacher, she worked hard to master her subject area and provide meaningful hands-on activities." --Judy Bonkalski, Principal at St.DominicSchool
"Laura is very active in ministries at St. Mary Parish. She practices her faith and is visible presence in the parish. She is intelligent, well-read, decisive and a very willing participant." --Rev. James Fitzgerald , (Former) Pastor at St. Mary Mokena
"Laura, your enthusiasm is contagious and your initiative has gotten you off on a good start. You're a team player."
--Dr. Judy Martschinke, Asst. Supt North Palos SD 118
A practicing
Catholic and active member of my parish, I have been a lector, cantor, choir
member and extraordinary minister of communion. I participated as a catechist
in religious education, RCIA, young adult ministry and continuing formation for
adults. I have planned retreats for youths and adults. I have given
professional presentations at Teacher Workshops. I have participated in
planning at the diocesan level (Theology-on-Tap and YAM commission) as well as
the national level (YAM Symposium and Franciscan Liturgy of the Hours.) I have
volunteered in community organizations like the local library and historical
society. I have been a member of several work-related organizations, AAUW, ALA,
IEA/NEA, NCEA and AFSCME. I am currently involved with a musical group that
entertains the residents of nursing homes.
Conferences/Presentations/Extracurricular
2011 – 2013 Member of Worship Commission, Recording Secretary
2011 Composed St. Mary Choir Handbook
2010 Choir PowerPoint –Ministry
Sunday, Mokena, IL
2006
– 2009 Director, 8th Grade Passion Play,
2006
– 2009 St. Alexander “Back to School”
Night, Palos Heights, IL
2006
– 2009 St. Alexander Safety Patrol
Coordinator (inc. fundraising)
2006 Retreat Coordinator, St. Al/St.
Pat School
Recent Professional Development
Since 2006, I have earned over 300 CPDU’s. For several years, these
workshops have related to the subjects I taught. In addition I have taken
workshops on writing across the curriculum, high yield strategies,
problem-based learning, autism, bullying and classroom
management. I have also focused on personal and spiritual growth as a Catholic
Christian. I attended Awakening Faith,
Catholicism 201 and Dogmatic
Theology and
For more info, go to What and How I Teach or the Q&A page
My Publications
Active Catechesis (ISBN
978-1-4659-6663-6) - When it comes
to teaching religion, it is more than a subject—it is a way of life! This book
is written for teachers who are seeking to delve deeper into catechesis than
most religion textbooks guiding young disciples by creating an active learning
environment.
Evaluating
a School Library Media Program (OCLC number 35578174) - Master’s
project includes a set of lesson plans for the teacher and a set of exercises
for students.
Expression of Our Catholic Faith: Using Literature to Enrich Catechesis (ISBN 978-1-4657-2319-2) - This is a teacher-to-teacher resource for religious education that discusses how to use literature to enrich Catholic catechesis. Four books are analyzed in detail. This resource includes a select bibliography and a list of alternative assessments.
Haggadah: A Christian Interpretation of a Jewish Tradition (ISBN 978-1-4581-8850-2) - For thousands and thousands of years our Jewish brothers and sisters have celebrated Passover. This holiday commemorates their Exodus from slavery. It's no coincidence Jesus chose the Passover meal for what the Church now celebrates as the Holy Mass and Eucharist. This book is a resource for teachers who wish to teach the deeper meanings of the Eucharist in history and scripture.
Meditation Exercises for Classroom Prayer (ISBN 978-1-4580-3806-7) - This booklet contains a series of meditation exercises. The goal is to introduce middle school and junior high students to the method of prayer known as LECTIO DIVINA. In our everyday lives, we can forget to develop our friendship with God. In these prayer times we will focus on these ordinary times in order to see God in the day-to-day lives we lead.
Prayer Services for the Catholic Classroom (ISBN 978-1-4581-9833-4) - This booklet is a sampling of some prayer services I used as a classroom teacher in Catholic schools.
Praying the 12 Steps & Traditions of CoDA (ISBN 978-1-4581-2224-7) - This prayer book is presented as a guide to those seeking healing through prayer and meditation. Its format is based on the Roman Catholic tradition of the Liturgy of the Hours. This small guide is humbly submitted for those seeking a loving Higher Power and spiritual support in the 12-step journey to healthy and loving relationships.
Praying the 12 Steps & Traditions of SIA (ISBN 978-1-4580-1591-4) - This prayer book is presented as a guide to those seeking healing through prayer and meditation. Its format is based on the Roman Catholic tradition of the Liturgy of the Hours. This small guide is humbly submitted for those seeking a loving Higher Power and spiritual support in the 12-step journey to healthy and courageous living.
Praying
With Poetry (ISBN 978-1-4657-5091-4) - Poetry is a form of literature that eludes
definition. It is an art form that emerges from the pure human need to express
oneself. By reading and reflecting on literature, such as poetry, the reader
identifies and empathizes with the writer. The shared experience is similar to
that of a group therapy situation. After all, there is nothing new under the
sun.
