Alexandra Peterson
[email protected]
CERTIFICATIONS
Michigan Secondary Standard Certificate May 2021-Present 6-12
Biology (DA)
6-12 Integrated Science-Secondary (DI)
Adult and Child First Aid & CPR
EDUCATION
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Masters of Education, Art of Teaching and Curriculum December 2022
Concentration: Socio-Cultural Perspectives in Teaching and Learning
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Bachelor of Science, Biological Science May 2020
• Teaching Major: Secondary Biology
• Teaching Minor: Integrated Science-Secondary (DI)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Science Teacher April 2021-Present
Farmington STEAM Academy, Farmington, MI
8th Grade Science, Genius Hour, Horticulture
● Created and lead phenomenon based instruction and student lead inquiry for units in all
classes
● Navigated curriculum to implement activities and lessons that followed NGSS
standards and practices while connecting to the Ambitious Science Teaching
Method
● Tracked student learning and growth through data both qualitatively and
quantitively
● Started a 10-week elective course in the school greenhouse where students grew
and sold plants in fundraisers to benefit the class and the school
● Provided space and freedom for students to work on their genius project
throughout the year
● Member of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Committee
● Planned an 8th grade trip to Cedar Point and managed money, scheduling, and
transportation for 100 students and chaperones
Student Intern Placement August 2020- April 2021
Innovation Central High School, Grand Rapids, MI
Biology, Physics, Forensic Science, and Medical Ethics, 9th-12th grade
• Created and lead instruction for units in all classes virtually for the first semester to all
students
• Successfully implemented NGSS teaching strategies in the classroom, using the
Ambitious Science Teaching (AST) method
• Tracked student learning and growth through data, formative and summative assessments,
and discussions with students both individually and large group
• Analyzed and applied data to determine student strengths and weaknesses within
activities and units
• Developed meaningful relationships with students through virtual learning and
connecting lessons and units to their lives
• Created summative and formative assessments during units that applies to NGSS and
AST teaching methods in ways that were effective during virtual learning
• Interpreted feedback from students, the mentor teacher, and other school officials to make
thorough and effective lessons, activities, assessments, and units
• Adapted to technology challenges students encountered in order to make lessons equally
accessible to all students
• Achieved great success in working with students from diverse backgrounds
Secondary Education Senior Practicum September 2019-April 2020 Haslett
High School, Haslett, MI
Biology and AP Biology, 9 th -12th Grade
• Developed various Biology skills and knowledge for students who were growing their
knowledge base throughout the course
• Observed the mentor’s use of instructional strategies to provide growth of knowledge and
success to students on all levels of comprehension
• Collaborated with other teachers in developing and sharing curriculum strategies
• Provided opportunities for students to ask questions and get extra help, both in and
before/after class
• Implemented diverse approaches during one-on-one instruction to ensure both general
comprehension and academic success
Field Placement May 2019-June 2019
Waverly Middle School, Lansing, MI
• Implemented an individualized, asset-based plan with a student who needed improvement
with literacy to understand vocabulary, main ideas in literature, flow, and improve general
knowledge
Field Placement May 2019-June 2019
Waverly Middle School, Lansing, MI
• Collaborated and co-taught science lessons in a Title 1 middle school science classroom
• Created activities that targeted areas where students needed to grow on their year-end
district created assessment, based on data provided by the mentor
Field Placement September 2018-December 2018
Mount Hope United Methodist Church, Lansing, MI
• Tutored students weekly on comprehension and fluency in a variety of subjects and topics
using formative assessments to interpret strengths and areas of improvement
• Worked with high school refugee students weekly to provide additional learning and
support by strengthening knowledge, conversational English, and social skills through
academic assistance
Substitute Teacher December 2018-March 2020
West Michigan School Districts
Grandville Public, Kentwood Public, Grand Rapids Public, Forest Hills Public, Wyoming
Public, East Grand Rapids Public
• Taught students with cultural and language by remaining open and encouraging during
lessons
• Followed plans given by teacher to ensure student participation and learning
• Led discussions with classes on materials, where applicable
• Implemented effective classroom behavior plans/enforcements, when necessary
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Cheerleading Coach August 2019-February 2021
Grandville Middle School, Grandville, MI
• Coached football and competitive cheerleading teams as a head coach for both seasons
• Created various materials to be used for performances and competitions
• Managed a dialogue with parents to have as open of communications during the seasons
as possible
• Assisted athletes with materials, skills, general understanding of the sport, as well as
making sure they were as successful in school as possible
• Lead discussions and team building exercises to develop the student athletes into
conscious young adults in all aspects of life
Science Teacher Intern May 2020- August 2020
Van Andel Institute of Education, Grand Rapids, MI
• Lead teacher of 4 virtual science-based summer camps to students, grades 3-9, on a
variety of science topics
• Incorporated NGSS and AST teaching methods and practices into the program
• Analyzed data and feedback from students, parents, and supervisors to improve the camps
weekly
• Worked with a team of interns, full time employees, and scientists to create and
successfully run the programs
Education Intern January 2018-May 2020
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, MI
• Created experiments and lesson presentations for students and teachers K-12 to
participate and engage with, both at home and at school
• Participated in science events at schools o Engaged younger students in immersive
experiments o Exposed older students to careers in lab sciences through activities and
presentations
Education Intern September 2019-March 2020
Michigan State University Museum
• Designed and planned educational events at the museum throughout the year for students
K-12
• Gave scientific demonstrations of artifacts throughout the museum on various topics
Summer Camp Counselor May 2019-August 2019
Hannah Community Center, East Lansing, MI
• Worked collaboratively with a team of counselors to plan daily schedules, activities, and
field trips for students in grades 4-7
• Provided a learning environment for all individuals while completing activities,
conducting experiments, and going on field trips during the duration of a summer
Before and After School Staff Member September 2018- May 2019
Hannah Community Center, East Lansing, MI
• Supervised safety of children, grades K-5, before and after school at the given elementary
school and for the duration of the summer camp
• Provided additional instruction to students, where necessary, with various topics
European Travel Chaperone June 2018-July 2019
Education First Educational Tours (EF): London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels
• Traveled through Europe with forty-two high school students while maintaining and safe
and encouraging learning in a travel environment
Laboratory Assistant January 2018-May 2018
Michigan State University
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (BLD) Program
• Prepared academic lab classes for students in various classes
• Prepared solutions and samples for students to work with
• Assisted professors with research projects and with other projects as needed
• Anticipated needs from the department for these classes in terms of supplies
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WEB Trained (The Boomerang Project) April 2021-Present
MSTA Member January 2021- Present
• Annual Conference February 27, March 6, 2021
PAN-Cake Master Class for Educators March 13-14, 2021
MSU College of Education October 14-February, 2021
• Urban Education Speaker Series
MSU College of Education Technology Conference November 3, 2018
SABER National Meeting (virtual) July 10-31, 2020
Presenter November 3, 2020
• Innovation Central Staff Professional Development
• Virtual teaching best practices o Classroom organization o Equitable grading
o Virtual activities and resources
GVSU Fall Science Update: November 10-12, 2020
• Distance Teaching in a Time of Crisis
Van Andel Institute of Education November 18, 2020
• Got Grit? Helping Students Develop a Growth Mindset in a Topsy- Turvy World
GVSU Conference November 30, 2020
• Fluence and Comprehension Strategies to Engage Students in a Virtual Setting
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
• Proficient in all Microsoft programs for PC and Mac; Document Camera; Digital
projector (ELMO); SMART board and Interactive whiteboard systems
• Comfortable with various software programs and devices used for scientific classroom
experiments and expanding upon conceptual learning
• Able to integrate social media into classroom lessons
• Excelled at using and integrating various technology resources into lessons in remote
instruction during the COVID-19 Pandemic
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Recipient, College of Natural Science Dean’s List August 2018
Recipient, College of Natural Science Dean’s List August 2019
Recipient, Larry D. Fowler Endowment (MSU) April 2020
REFERENCES
David Beazley
Farmington STEAM Academy Principal
[email protected]
Jessica DeJong
Internship Placement Mentor Teacher [email protected]
Mark Frost
Internship Placement Principal [email protected]
Sandra Bergh
Michigan State University Field Placement Instructor
[email protected]
David Stroupe
Professor of Teacher Education
[email protected]
Julie Christensen
Michigan State University Teaching Assistant [email protected]
