TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Most recently, I taught ESL online to students in China and tutored 3rd-grade math privately. I started as a K-3 Literacy Tutor through a 1720 hour AmeriCorps service program at the best elementary in Colorado. I transitioned and worked with all grades K-5 in various capacities as a 1st grade Para classroom assistant, helping struggling students with math, reading, and writing, an after school program aide, and as a private reading and writing tutor. I specialize in creating engaging elementary literacy resources, mostly in the form of crazy stories. I have self-published 14 books since 2012 (YA, picture books, chapter books). If you need to contact me about my products, please email DMWLewis@gmail.com

MY TEACHING STYLE

I like to teach with lots of enthusiasm to get students excited and interested in subjects can be tough. I incorporate as much creativity into my resources as possible. Checkout my NEW LAUGHROOM WEBSITE to learn more about the benefits of using zany audiobooks and videobooks in your classroom.

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

Being featured in an article by United Way Denver near the end of my AmeriCorps K-3 Tutoring service was an honor, though the link has since been taken down. The true shining moments for me, and there are too many to name, are the little ones. That moment when your kiddo finally has that small breakthrough that had them stumped. Those are the ones that leave you sparking inside for the rest of the day. Every teacher knows these.

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

I have my M.S. in Sport Marketing from the U. of Memphis but found true passion in teaching kiddos to read. Completed my Praxis II in 2015. I have my 120 hour TESOL certificate to be an ESL teacher here in the US and abroad.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

My ultimate goal is to instill the fiery PASSION of reading and writing into my students, filling them with confidence they need to succeed. Laughroom Literacy's motto is "Read it with a Smile!" I believe that every story read by kids should be read with a smile. Whether that story makes the student laugh, make them feel fuzzy inside, or just entertains them in general, my goal is writing stories that make them keep coming back for more. Literacy time in class shouldn't ever be a chore, but unfortunately, for struggling readers it can be the toughest part of the day. There are too many students behind grade level for so many different reasons. I certainly hope that long term my work can make a difference in as many classrooms as possible. If I can make a teacher's job a little easier, then I'm happy. If I've inspired a student's newfound passion for reading, then we have done something bigger.