Molly Funk

Literacy is no longer defined as simply possessing the ability to read and write. As technology is changing the world around us, it necessitates a change in the delivery of education. I believe in supplementing traditional lessons with innovative technology in order to make today’s youth literate citizens in tomorrow’s world.

As a 2010 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, I have student teaching experience on both the seventh and eighth grade levels in suburban school districts for reading, literature and language arts, and the gifted program. I also have tutored reading, writing, and math in a middle and high school setting for eight years and counting. At the university, I was extremely involved in Penn State’s Dance Marathon, where I not only fundraised, but also grew close with several families who were struggling with cancer and special needs diagnoses. My involvement fueled my desire to work with students in need.

It is my goal to supplement my experiences with my eagerness and willingness to learn. In 2010, I began my teaching career at an extremely culturally and academically diverse school in Silver Spring, Maryland. At this private institution, I taught both 6th and 7th grade Language Arts. This experience did not simply focus on planning and implementing a Language Arts curriculum; I also facilitated many extra-curricular clubs including Book Talk, Reader’s Theatre, Yearbook, and Literary Magazine. Both years, I led and organized a Liberal Arts Café night for the community.

After two years of teaching in Maryland, I moved to Malvern, and began teaching in Philadelphia, PA at Mariana Bracetti Academy. I am the Middle School English Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator (6 -8), and I also teach 8th grade ELA. Each day, I expand my classroom management and discipline skills through continuous professional development and reflection. On a daily basis, I work with a diverse group of student learners including: ELL, IEP and GIEP. Because of the diversity of my student population, I am constantly searching for creative ways to actively engage all of their learning types. I have created a stimulating, nurturing and academically challenging environment through: integrated language arts units, differentiated instruction, hands-on learning activities, patience and organization, and innovative technological skills. I have also led several professional development days including: Technology in the Classroom, Differentiated Assessment, Reading Strategies for Content-Area Teachers, Writing Strategies, and Text-Dependent Analysis Questions.

Along with teaching full time, I am also a graduate student at West Chester University in the Reading/Literacy Master’s program; I have earned 27 credits towards my Masters in Reading and Reading Specialist Certification, and I currently have a 4.0 GPA. I will graduate in the spring of 2016. I already began implementing what I have learned in my classes, including: Words Their Way (student groups and vocabulary building), Common Core applications, and administering Informal Reading Assessments, DRAs, and IRLAs to students in need. I am taking the Praxis and Comprehensive Exam in May, which will make me highly qualified for the position.

I vision the classroom as a community. Students do not simply learn from me, but from each other as well. I do not solely encourage children’s academic success, but also involve myself in extracurricular and community activities and organizations. I firmly believe in helping students to discover their sense of purpose in the world, reach their highest potential, and accomplish personal and worldly goals. I also believe that teachers, like students, should be lifelong learners; we should continuously sharpen and broaden our skills. A nurturing environment creates a classroom experience that can ignite a positive view of the education system across our nation. I am sure that I would be a positive addition to your learning community because of my creative and energetic personality, driven by my strong work ethic. I welcome a personal interview and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.