Nicola Fitzsimmons
Education
Graduate Teacher Certification Program Grand Rapids, MI
Elementary and Social Studies Education Expected: April 2018
Grand Valley State University Current GPA: 4.0
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Philosophy: Kalamazoo, MI
Professional and Applied Ethics Concentration; Spanish Minor April 2011
Bachelor of Science in Psychology Magna Cum Laude
Western Michigan University GPA: 3.87
Classroom Experience
Student Teacher Hickory Corners, MI
Kellogg Elementary: Kindergarten Classroom Jan 2017 – Present
Preparing to lead teach for one month, utilizing skills gained from previous
academic and professional experiences
Teacher Assistant Portage, MI
12th Street Elementary: Fourth Grade Classroom
Sep 2017 – Present
Independently and collaboratively taught students through whole-class
instruction in both math and language arts
Worked with mentor teacher to plan and prepare lessons
Adapted and taught a mathematics lesson, crafting it to have an engaging
launch, which made important math concepts visual and relevant to
students; and guided students to deepen their understanding through
collaboration and discussion
Created and taught several literacy strategy lessons, which contained:
launches to hook students and help make the material relevant to the
students’ lives; gradual release of the strategies; and wrap-up discussions
Assisted mentor in classroom management, by helping to implement
positive behavior strategies and also by creating a seating chart
Helped answer student questions by guiding them to reflect on the task,
their thinking, and the strategies and tools they have available
Special Education Paraprofessional Portage, MI
WoodsEdge Learning Center: Early Elementary Autism Classroom 2011, 2012 – Aug 2017
Helped students develop academic, behavioral, fine and gross motor,
functional, communication, and social skills
Collaborated with classroom team to help create a positive learning
environment
Assisted teachers in creating and leading academic lessons
Assisted in supervising and providing support for classroom aides and
substitute teachers
Helped students through behavioral challenges, utilizing Positive Behavior
Intervention and Support
Officially trained in Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) and Picture
Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Experienced with: (curriculum) Unique Learning System, Handwriting
without Tears, Touch Math; (classroom management) CHAMPS; (AAC)
LAMP Words For Life; creating picture schedules, and recording data for
IEP goals
Collaborated on School Improvement Plan and school-wide goals as
member of School Improvement Team
Applied Behavioral Analysis Tutor Portage, MI
WoodsEdge Learning Center: Discrete Trial Preschool Autism Classroom Jan – Apr 2011
Worked one-on-one with students, using ABA to teach them a variety of
skills, such as verbal or AAC-based communication and sorting objects.
Utilized the prompt hierarchy, positive reinforcement, and token
economies, and took careful data to assist students in their goals.
Additional Experience
Behavioral Assistant Kalamazoo, MI
Progressive Alternative: Rehabilitative Assisted Living and Home Care Sept 2011 – June 2012
Assisted clients with daily tasks, implemented their behavior plans, and worked
to motivate them to accomplish their goals. Documented activities and
communicated with staff to ensure highest quality service.
Volunteer Crisis Worker
Gryphon Place: Help-Line and 2-1-1 Call Center Kalamazoo, MI
Thoroughly trained to answer various phone lines and provide crisis intervention July 2010 – May 2011
to callers. Also provided callers with resources, collected information,
communicated with on-call workers, and documented each call.
Ethics Bowl Team Member Kalamazoo, MI
Western Michigan University Sept – Nov 2010;
Presented and defended well-reasoned arguments in debate competition. Took Sept 2008 – Mar 2009
lead on numerous cases, researched relevant issues, developed positions, and
helped strengthen teammates’ arguments through discussions and practices.
Legislative Intern Lansing, MI
Office of State Senator Switalski Jan – Apr 2010
Independently researched issues of interest (e.g., to be introduced as
legislation), created and presented reports, performed office duties,
corresponded with constituents, and attended meetings and events.
Academic Achievements
Howard Wolpe Scholarship (Political Science) Spring 2011
Robert Friedmann Philosophy Prize Spring 2010
D.C. Schilling Award (Political Science) Spring 2009
Phi Beta Kappa, Member Inducted Spring 2009
Dean's List 2006 - 2011
