Laura Birge
1674 Hillcrest Drive, Rochester Hills, MI 48306
248.961.0029
[email protected] www.laurabirge.weebly.com
Education
May 2019
May 2015
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum
Concentration: Educational Psychology
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Education, Michigan Teaching Certification, K-5
Major: Social Studies, RX Endorsement, 6-8
Minor: Mathematics, EX Endorsement, 6-8
Summa Cum Laude
Teaching Experience
Nov 2015-June 2016 Havel Elementary School, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, 3rd Grade, all subjects
Assumed complete classroom accountability in curriculum and management of 27
students who varied greatly in ethnicity, socio-economic status, and ability
Held to the same teacher evaluation standards as contracted teachers and participated in
data presentations, classroom observations, and phase level meetings
Adopted full responsibility over report cards, parent contact including conferences, and
state/district mandated standardized tests and assessments
Closely collaborated with grade level team to ensure the success of the entire grade
Implemented character education program within classroom and facilitated several grade
level meetings on overall behavior and choices
Created and established successful behavioral management system and procedures
throughout the year
Developed and executed guided reading curriculum and literacy stations based on
continual data collection
Participated fully in school community such as vertical teaming meetings, voluntary
book study, Social Studies Olympiad coach, and March is Reading Month
Spring 2015
Morgan Elementary School, Shelby Township, Michigan
Student Teacher, 3rd Grade, all subjects
Managed a classroom of 31 students with a wide variety of behavioral and educational
needs
Taught all subjects with objectives aligned to the Common Core State Standards
Led reading intervention with three students at various reading levels
Planned and facilitated differentiated stations in literacy, mathematics, and science based
on data collected
Implemented a new reading program emphasizing student choice in the reading of varied
genres at the students lexile level
Communicated with parents and families through phone calls, emails, newsletters, and
face-to-face interactions
Created classroom web page that highlighted events and reminders for parents
Summer 2013
Galliard Primary School, London, England
Pre-Student Teaching Classroom Experience, Year 5, all subjects
Eighty Hours of Classroom Experience in a building with over 80 different nationalities
of students represented
Taught lessons aimed at immersing the students into the culture of the United States
Fully integrated myself into a system of education that had many differences from the
United States and adapted to best serve my students
Collaborated with faculty and staff members to create a community of educational
sharing to encourage continued growth and learning in the field
Summer 2013
Mary McGuire Elementary School, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Pre-Student Teaching Classroom Experience, 4th Grade, all subjects
Collaborated with host teacher to plan and facilitate a real-world economy unit
Coordinated and facilitated with students to create and perform a play aligned with the
reading standards
Assessed reading levels of students using the Qualitative Reading Inventory and Rigby
Collaborated with the 4th grade team and special educators to implement a peer-to-peer
mentoring program
Spring 2013
Clare Primary School, Clare, Michigan
Pre-Student Teaching Classroom Experience, Kindergarten, all subjects
Facilitated student-writing conferences, which developed and enhanced student work
based on the individuals needs and ability level
Facilitated small group intervention in math using manipulatives and tablets
Implemented Dolch Word incentive and practice program with students
Professional Development
Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified
Central Michigan University Student Teaching Conference: February 2015
Learn Today, Teach Tomorrow Conference: April 2013 and April 2014
Certified Appraiser for Destination Imagination
Member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education since 2011
Honors
Presidents List: Fall 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and Spring 2014, 2015, 2016
Runner-Up for Central Michigan Whitemore Award: Top mathematics education student for 2014-2015 year
Related Leadership Experiences
Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Camps and Conferences Conference Assistant
May 2014 September 2014
Managed and ensured the physical and mental well being of campers during overnight stays
Planned and facilitated events for campers ranging in ages and interests
Coordinated and ensured the comfort of the athletes during their three-night stay for Special Olympics
Leadership Safari Selection Staff Assistant and Core Guide
September 2013 August 2014
Developed on campus leaders in facilitation skills and creating a safe environment for mentoring freshman
and transfer students to campus
Created and oversaw the selection process for 700 applicants applying for 8 different positions on a staff of
over 300 students
Collaborated with office staff to ensure the success of a 5-day leadership conference for 2,000 participants
Siblings Weekend Entertainment Coordinator
September 2013- February 2014
Organized and booked age appropriate speakers and events for CMU Siblings
Coordinated volunteers and logistics for the three-day event while interacting with the children to ensure
their enjoyment
Communicated and problem solved with committee to ensure the events success
References
Mrs. Kristina Barel
Long-Term Placement Principal
Havel Elementary School
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 586.797.5295
Mrs. Rose Chodnicki
Cooperating Teacher, 3rd Grade Placement
Morgan Elementary School
Shelby Township, Michigan 48316
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 586.405.2776
Mrs. Sally Klatt
Morgan Elementary Principal during Placement
Student Teaching University Coordinator
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858
Email Address: [email protected]
Phone Number: 586.904.6163
