Experience |
Email: sarabaquerogarcia@gmail.com |
Professional Teaching Experience |
The American School in Japan (ASIJ), Tokyo, Japan (1995-2011) Social Studies: Taught at the 8th grade, MS level. Class title is: “Conflict and Consensus in American History.” Course was divided into units: Constitutional Development, the “American” identity, Study of propaganda, “Witch-hunts” in American history, The Civil Rights movement, Issues of Diversity and Technology and social change. All units focused on hands-on activities and student participation through debates, active discussions, group and individual projects, analytical writing, film studies and primary and secondary source analysis. Spanish: Taught the beginner level of Spanish to 8th grade and high school students. The focus of the course was on the students’ acquisition of verbal and grammatical fluency for the beginning level. Students learned to talk about themselves, their activities, families & friends, wants, and basic conversation skills. Technology was also included to further practice the language. Great emphasis was placed on oral practice while practicing written proficiency. Environmental Studies: Taught a MS course that asked students to study and understand a variety of environmental issues and work on possible solutions that would create positive change. Projects included the use of garbage to create useful items, designing better enclosures for animals at the zoo and many others. International Relations Course: Taught at the MS level, this course challenged students to examine a variety of economic and political issues and to work with other students from other schools throughout the world on solutions. Projects included the ICONS project directed by the University of Maryland, research of issues, and a term paper in a chosen and related issue. Doshisha Girls’ High School, Kyoto, Japan (1993-1995) ESL: Taught girls at the 7th and 12th grade levels. Basic English skills were the primary focus, but also taught conversational English to upper level students. |
In School Leadership and Committee Work
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Lake Sai Outdoor Program Coordinator (2008 – 2011) ASIJ I was responsible for the preparation and running of the 8th grade outdoor program during the fall season for all students. Included in my job were the gathering of all information for the running of the program, the communication with the Outward Bound Japan program coordinator and staff to plan and execute the program, the communication with students, colleagues and parents regarding the program’s parameters, safety and goals, and the preparations of all details including student groupings, food orders and other logistical issues. Social Studies Curriculum Renewal Committee (2009-2011) ASIJ Focus on Learning (FOL) Committee Member (2004 – 2006) ASIJ Environmental Focus Group Member for the WASC Accreditation Process (1999-2001) ASIJ Faculty and Staff Concern Committee (FSCC) member (1997-1999) ASIJ “Earthquake” Clusters Program Founder (1995 – 1999) Teaching-Team Partner and leader of Curriculum (1993-1995) Doshisha |
School Community Collaboration
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Environmental Improvement MS Representative (2008 – 2011) ASIJ’s Vision challenged the school to work on improving its environmental carbon footprint. My task was to encourage our division’s staff and students to increase their awareness and involvement in environmental improvement at the local, national and international levels. I involved all MS students in completing ISO energy reduction programs, helped to improve our recycling program and encouraged individual and groups of students to work towards environmental improvement. I also lobbied to have some of the school’s trees saved when construction projects demanded their removal, and made efforts to have the school members “walk the talk” regarding its decisions that were to affect the school’s environmental actions. 7th Grade Volleyball Coach (1995 – 2007) 8th Grade Advisor (1995-2011) MS SALA Coordinator (2004 – 2008) Oil Clean-up Project (1997) |
Other Important Work Experience |
Program Coordinator, ISA. Corp., Seattle, WA (1991-1993) Responsible for coordinating the stay of Japanese students who attended long-term ESL programs at American colleges and high schools. Worked as a liaison between the students and school staff, or home-stay agency. Counseled students in personal and academic concerns. I consider this job to be my introduction to corporate society first hand, a place where I learned a great deal about human relations and communication skills. It was also a very good job to keep up with my language skills, and where I learned first-hand the challenges and rewards of being independent. Farm Worker, Windfall Organic Farms, Montgomery, N.Y. (1985-1987) |
Education | MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, GSEO Program (France and Thailand )(1999 – 2002) Masters in Curriculum and Teaching Degree Theoretical and practical courses related to teaching philosophies and techniques. Projects completed included the development and execution of classroom curriculum, self-examination of classroom performance, technology understanding and use possibilities, and issues of power in educational institutions.Teaching Certification in Political Sciences and Japanese. completed during the Summer Program in Thailand 2002. SMITH COLLEGE, Northampton, MA. (1987 – 1991) LANGUAGES: Fluent in English and Spanish. Proficient in spoken Japanese. |
Computer and other technology Skills | Computing skills for teaching I am proficient in using FAWEB, Blackboard, Atlas, and have also used the Respondus program to create curriculum, communicate with the school community and generate grades for all classes. Others: |
Other Skills that have come in very handy in my jobs | Communication: I am a “people person” and that has always come in very handy in my working life and my relationships with others in the work place and in life. I enjoy listening to other’s ideas, working with people of many different cultures and I also enjoy working to solve disagreements and finding consensus in the workplace and in life. Exhibitions and Presentations: Crafts and Art: Singing: |
Hobbies |
The world is truly magical. I very much enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking in the mountain trails, or walking in the park. I love to read non-fiction and novels, watch movies, and discuss issues with friends. I feel very happy when I sew, paint, sing, dance or make small crafts. I am also learning more about photography, carpentry and making ceramics, but most of all, I love to do all of the above with my family anywhere in the world we happen to be. |