Virginia Player

Virginia Player

Lifeguard

location of Virginia PlayerBoeing Defense, Space & Security

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Quality Engineer, Astrophysicist, Physics Educator

  • Education

    • Seattle University

      2008 - 2010
      Master of Education - MEd Secondary Education and Teaching

      Achieved endorsements in teaching physics and in teaching general science.

    • University of Washington

      1995 - 2003
      Bachelor of Science - BSci Astronomy

      Activities and Societies: * Public Presenter - Theodor Jacobson Observatory - Astronomy Outreach * Curriculum Developer - Astronomy for the Sight Impaired * Researcher: - "High Pressure and Low Temperature Equations of State for Aqueous Magnesium Sulfate" - "Hubble Space Telescope Measurements of the Expansion of NGC 6543: Parallax Distance and Nebular Evolution"

    • University of Washington

      1995 - 2003
      Bachelor of Science - BSci Physics

      Activities and Societies: UW Society of Physics Students

  • Experience

    • City of Seattle

      Jun 1995 - Sept 2001
      Lifeguard

      During the summer months, in between my college years, I lifeguarded the public swimming beaches of Greenlake and Lake Washington. My qualification requirements included Advanced Lifeguarding Certification and CPR & First Aid Certification.

    • University of Washington

      Sept 1999 - Jun 2003
      Astrophysics Outreach Educator for Project Astro

      I was a visiting guest instructor, integrating astrophysics curriculum into public school science classes. I also conducted planetarium presentations and assisted in telescope viewing, for the visiting public, held at the University of Washington.

    • Ana Mandara Cam Ranh

      Mar 2004 - Jan 2005
      ESL Training Manager

      I established and launched the resort's department-specific ESL training, empowering 720 resort employees with enhanced English communication and customer service skills.

    • Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

      Jan 2005 - Oct 2005
      Editorial Assistant of Research Publications for Institute of Physics

      I assisted in refining the written quality of physics research publications for Vietnamese physics graduate students.

    • Vietnam Education Foundation

      Mar 2005 - Aug 2005
      Graduate Scholarship Interview Coordinator

      I coordinated and recorded interviews, for visiting US scientists to evaluate and select the most eligible Vietnamese students to receive fully-funded graduate studies in the US.

    • HEINEKEN Vietnam

      Apr 2005 - Oct 2005
      Director of Non-Profit Education Program

      I led the development of a nonprofit ESL school, expanding education opportunities for rural Vietnamese children, and overseeing successful program implementation.

    • University of Washington

      Jan 2006 - Dec 2009

      Here, I led the development, coordination, and monitoring of programs in Astronomy Outreach Education, then I built a curriculum that was tailored to students from the Washington State School for the Blind.• I was the driving force behind an innovative and specialized Astronomy curriculum that incorporated hands-on, tactile learning activities customized to support students with sight impairments with transformative impact on inclusive science education.• As a consultative leader, from the University of Washington’s Astronomy Department, I provided support and design of planning, development, and implementation of services. Show less

      • Curriculum Creator of Astronomy Education for the Visually Impaired

        Jan 2006 - Dec 2009
      • University Tutor for Physics and Engineering Students

        Jan 2006 - Jun 2007
    • Shanghai Community International School

      Jun 2009 - Jun 2011
      Teacher, IB Diploma Program (DP) PHYSICS at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)

      Encompassed in Discovery College, Hong Kong.

    • ESF Discovery College

      Jul 2011 - Jul 2019
      Teacher, International Baccalaureate (IB) DP SL/HL Physics, and MYP Science

      In these two separate roles at two different schools, first in Shanghai and then Hong Kong, I was a STEM Educator that guided students in understanding complex Physics content while adhering to IB program principals. • I developed activities that provided a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time offering my students opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.• I prepared students for IB assessments by developing engaging content that empowered each to understand and apply the intricate concepts of physics.• As a versatile and flexible professional I was able to easily pivot my teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the varying needs and interests of my students.• Introduced and led the Astronomy Club that inspired students by offering unique extracurricular opportunities.• I undertook leadership as the Swim Coach and Cross-Country Coach, cultivating teamwork and driving discipline. Show less

    • International Baccalaureate

      May 2015 - May 2019
      Examiner of IB DP HL Physics

      As an Examiner I was challenged with adhering to the academic standard for the IB Diploma Program (DP) Physics and ensuring alignment with set criteria. I graded Higher Level (HL) Paper 3 Exams and Internal Assessment (IA) Student Independent Investigations, utilizing subject understanding coupled with IB principles of student learner profile skills. • I was an official Grader for IB DP Physics Paper 3 exams, a role for which I had to be experienced and qualified.• I evaluated student performances globally, advancing an unwavering attention to detail and integrity that ensured fairness and accuracy in grading. Show less

    • Eastlake High School

      Aug 2019 - Aug 2023
      Teacher, Advanced Placement (AP) Physics and Physics in the Universe

      As a Physics Educator I created and delivered curriculum that not only aligned with state and AP standards, but created learning spaces that excited and engaged my students. I established clear objectives and created long- and short-range plans for instruction that met the needs, abilities, and interests of all my students. • Employing my deep knowledge of Physics and best-teaching practices I was able to design curriculum that built problem solving abilities and confidence within students to master content for the AP Physics exam.• I created opportunities that ensured students were able to demonstrate proficiency by leveraging a variety of approaches to assess, record, and provide feedback promptly on progress and assignments. Show less

    • Boeing Defense, Space & Security

      Oct 2023 - now
      Supplier Quality Engineer
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Middle-Years-Program (MYP) Science Training

      International Baccalaureate
    • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma-Program (DP) Physics Training

      International Baccalaureate
    • Advanced Placement (AP) Physics Training

      The College Board
    • Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate

      Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Virginia Player
      Master’s in Teaching Endowed Scholarship Seattle University Sep 2008
    • Awarded to Virginia Player
      Teachers of Color Scholarship Washington Mutual Bank Sep 2008
    • Awarded to Virginia Player
      Recognition of Tutor Excellence University of Washington Nov 2006
    • Awarded to Virginia Player
      Dean's List University of Washington Jan 1999