Laura Erlig

Experience

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  UCLA

  Jan 1990 - Jan 1994

  Administrative Assistant

  I worked on a research grant at the School of Nursing, where nurses interacted with caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease. I helped manage the office, typed up handwritten documents, gathered resources from the library and helped Dr. Betty Chang with whatever needs she had regarding her project and grants.

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  Kern High School District

  Sept 1995 - Jun 2006

  Teacher, GATE Coordinator, DATE Coordinator, STEPS Coordinator

  I taught Title 1 ELD, GATE, and regular education students for primarily grade 3 but a couple of years of 4th grade. I was recommended by my fellow staff members for the Golden Apple Award given by UTLA, which I did receive in 1999. I always created fun ways to learn by turning our classroom with the students into a field of study. For example, my students students were learning about communities as well as the rain forest, so used our art time to create a jungle and a city for the room. We read about reasons why people feel the need to cut down rainforest and why it is harmful to our environment. Students debated points, wrote persuasive arguments, researched plants and animals and wrote poetry and research reports. Students built a community in the class while I facilitated its growth where students came up with a city name and had elections for major and city council. This type of learning was typical in my classroom as well as student teachers being mentored and learning this approach. I was train on various curriculum like Open Court, Into English, intervention materials from Houghton Mifflin, supplementary units from Marilyn Burns, and more. Show less

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  Conejo Elementary Open Classroom

  Aug 2006 - Jun 2010

  Teacher

  I taught in an alternative school for grades 2/3 split for 3 years and a 4/5 split for one year. I managed parent volunteers in my classroom and differientiated my lessons for a range of levels as well as incorporated hands-on learning. I was a co-corrodinator for the GATE program and attended various staff developments and participated in writing the GATE plan for the Conejo Valley Unified School District. I team taught and worked with a variety of teachers. I mentored a student teacher regarding teaching the 2/3 split. I worked with ELD students, GATE students, Special Ed, and regular education students. I created thematic units that incorporated state standards as well as accommodating a variety of learning styles. Show less

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  BRIDGES Charter School

  Aug 2010 - Jun 2011

  Education Coordinator

  I worked with the teachers on curriculum, classroom management, and lesson planning. I did administrative duties like planning meetings, ordering curriculum, handling discipline concerns, manage the school calendar, created educators report for the board and meeting with parents regarding school matters. I am one of the petitioners and founders of the school.

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  One Spark Academy

  Aug 2011 - now

  Educator

  I create hands-on learning classes for science, leadership, study skills, book club, study sessions and mostly noted for nutrition class and food preparation class (Food Fascination). I work with middle school age students on a range of studies and really get to know the students to help engage them in their learning. I create the weekly menu for lunch and the students and I work together to create it, eat together, and clean up together - so we create a community. I work collaboratively with other teachers to create a harmonious environment for our students and teachers. Show less

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  Biomimicry LA

  Jun 2015 - now

  Co-Chair, Education

  I have designed curriculum and field tested in my classroom lesson relating to Biomimicry, Engineering, and simple concepts of Physics. Students are engaged working hands-on building kits to demonstrate physical science concepts that mimic biological functions in nature. I have co-chaired teacher workshops using my curriculum. Teachers were thrilled to receive materials that are relevant and engaging.