VICKI L. ARDISANA
P. O. Box 6236
Yuma, AZ 85366
PRESENT POSITION – Clinical Instructor, Alternative Certification
Program, Yuma
Northern Arizona University, College of Education, Department of Teaching
and Learning
Dr. Sherry Markel, supervisor, P. O. Box 5774, Flagstaff, AZ 86011.
CERTIFICATES
1999-2005 Arizona Standard Elementary
Teaching Certificate K - 8,
ESL endorsement
1993-1999 Arizona Standard Elementary
Teaching Certificate K - 8,
ESL endorsement
1986-1994 Arizona Temporary Elementary
Teaching Certificate K - 8,
1978-1986 American Red Cross Water
Safety Instructor
EDUCATION
1998 Northern Arizona
University, Doctoral student, curriculum & instruction
1992 Northern Arizona
University Yuma, M. A. Elementary Education/English as a Second
Language
1986 Northern Arizona
University, B.S. Elementary Education/Physical Education
1980 Arizona Western
College, A. A. General Studies
1971 Oak Park
River Forest High School, Oak Park, IL
WORK EXPERIENCE
2001 – present Full time clinical instructor,
Northern Arizona University in Yuma
Alternative Certification Program coordinator, instructor, advisor, mentor,
and administrator. This new program was developed for cohort groups of post
baccalaureate students wishing to obtain elementary teacher certification.
Teaching responsibilities include course development and instruction specific
to the needs of the group, hands-on learning seminars to support web course
instruction, on-site supervision of teaching practicums, technical assistance
with web courses, advising, supporting, and assisting students with their
own classroom and professional goals and resources. Administrative duties
include applications, advising, registration, financial aid connections,
recruitment/retention of students, meeting with administrators and community
members. The connections between the program, the community school districts,
and the university is a vital collaboration that benefits the community as
a whole.
2000 – 2001 Full time doctoral student, Curriculum
& Instruction, NAU Flagstaff.
Completion of course work and comprehensive exams while on leave of absence
from the school district.
2000 – 2001 Half time project facilitator for LEAP, BEST,
and BRIDGE grants in Yuma.
These three grants were awarded through the Center for Excellence in Education
at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. The programs director for all
of these grants is Dr. Patricia Peterson, Educational Specialties, CEE,
NAU. All of these grants provide Yuma area teachers an opportunity to participate
in graduate programs for ESL, bilingual, and/or special education and include
the use of technology. As facilitator, I meet with instructors, participants,
and administrator on a regular basis, act as liaison between Flagstaff and
Yuma, provide technical web and computer assistance and assist with formative
evaluations and problem solving. The position began as an independent study
course and later I was added as the local coordinator for LEAP and BEST.
2001 - spring Part time temporary adjunct instructor,
Northern Arizona University Yuma
Develop, plan, and implement syllabus, instructional strategies, tests
and evaluation measures for ECI 300 Math Methods for Elementary School Teachers.
Conduct model lessons, provide effective feedback, counsel prospective teachers
on their performance. Encourage and model the use of “best practice” in
the teaching/learning of mathematics.
Elementary Classroom Teaching experience
1986-2001 Crane Elementary School District #13, Yuma,
AZ
4260 W. 16th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364
Dr. Gary Knox, Superintendent 928 782-5183
Crane Elementary School District is located in Yuma, Arizona, in the southwest
corner of the state. The district is in a low socioeconomic area, in which
the student population is 57% Hispanic, 42% Anglo, 19% Migrant. In addition
57% receive free or reduce lunch, 27% are Limited English Proficient, and
11% qualify for special education programs. [95/96 figures]
1999-2000 Valley Horizon Elementary School, Fifth grade
teacher, sheltered class
Plan, implement and evaluate effective lessons. Use effective strategies
and methods to meet the needs of diverse group of 32 or more students in
a comfortable, language rich environment. Coordinate with hearing handicapped
department to mainstream four students in math, science, health, and social
studies content areas. Integrate district curriculum objectives and resources
to enhance effective learning. Evaluate and assess students’ learning, modifying
and adjusting where necessary. Seek professional assistance where needed
for individual students requiring further assistance. Collaborate with colleagues
on grade level objectives, field trips and school wide goals. Keep records
updated as required. Conference with parents and other school officials.
Also served as school wide resource teacher/trainer for math, science, and
ESL.
1998-1999 Valley Horizon, Fourth grade teacher, sheltered
class; Principal, Cindy Didway
Plan, implement and evaluate effective lessons. Use effective strategies
and methods to meet the needs of diverse groups of 30 or more students in
a comfortable, language rich environment. Integrate district curriculum
objectives and resources to enhance effective learning. Evaluate and assess
students learning, modifying and adjusting where necessary. Seek professional
assistance where needed for individual students requiring further assistance.
Collaborate with colleagues on school wide goals. Keep records updated as
required. Conference with parents and other school officials. Also served
as school wide resource teacher/trainer for math, science, and ESL.
1997-1998 Valley Horizon Elementary School, Science teacher,
grades 1 - 6
Design and plan activities to enhance student knowledge of scientific concepts,
developments, theories and processes. Collaborate with classroom teachers
to provide hands on science experiences for students in support of the science
curriculum. Plan, set up, and assess annual school science festival and
ensure participation in the county science festival.
Math, science, ESL resource trainer
Collaborate with and provide math and science resources for teachers to
enhance units of study in the classroom. Train teachers in the use of math
manipulatives and problem solving strategies to increase student abilities.
Develop writing process document, train and support teachers with effective
use of the writing process. Model lessons using national math and science
standards strategies within classrooms.
1996-1997 Valley Horizon School, Science teacher, grades
4-6 (half time)
Collaborate with classroom teachers to provide hands on science experiences
for students in support of the science curriculum. Provide math and science
resources for teachers to enhance units of study in the classroom.
Plan, set up, and assess annual school science festival and ensure participation
in the county science festival.
ESL/Chapter I Resource specialist, grades K-6 (half time)
Work with the Chapter I teacher to develop school wide programs to meet
the needs of ESL, Limited English Proficient (LEP), and migrant students.
Train educational assistants, provide support, and evaluate program for K-3
students. Meet the needs of 4-6 LEP students through ongoing assessment, individual,
or small group assistance. Provide regular classroom teachers with suggestions
for modifications of assignments for LEP students. Track growth and follow
up on testing. Target fourth grade students in two regular classrooms with
whole group writing process training including fantasy stories, interest
speeches, and research reports. [This provided training for the classroom
teachers who were not ESL endorsed, as well as all of their students regardless
of ability, background or qualifying factors.]
1994-1996 Valley Horizon School, Science teacher, grades
1-6
Provide hands on science experiences for students in support of the science
curriculum. Provide math and science resources for teachers to enhance units
of study in the classroom. Plan, set up, and assess annual school science
festival.
1994-1996 Crane School District Staff Development for
math and science (stipend position)
Collaborate with trainers from other schools in the district to plan, schedule,
and set up afterschool training sessions in math and science for teachers
to implement standards in the classroom. Assist in developing two district
wide teacher inservice trainings in math manipulatives and strategies for
meeting curriculum objectives, and to showcase math manipulatives available
throughout the district.
1990-1994 Valley Horizon School, Third grade teacher,
ESL sheltered classroom
Plan, implement and evaluate effective lessons. Use effective strategies
and methods to meet the needs of diverse groups of 30 or more students in
a comfortable, language rich environment. Integrate district curriculum
objectives and resources to enhance effective learning. Evaluate and assess
students learning, modifying and adjusting where necessary. Seek professional
assistance where needed for individual students requiring further assistance.
Collaborate with colleagues on school wide goals. Keep records updated as
required. Conference with parents and other school officials.
1993-1994 District Career Ladder pilot group
Participate in piloting the district established, legislative initiative
for Career Ladder. Design and carry out two student achievement plans to
evaluate individual student learning through a research-designed plan, collecting
data, and write a report. Be evaluated twice by an outside evaluator using
a separate district developed evaluation instrument. Assume a higher level
responsibility of coordinating the District Assessment Plan and assist teachers
with resources and testing materials, and assure compliance with established
timelines.
1986-1990 Crane Rancho Viejo School, Third grade teacher,
Principal, Dan Branine
Plan, implement and evaluate effective lessons. Use effective strategies
and methods to meet the needs of diverse groups of 30 or more students in
a comfortable, language rich environment. Integrate district curriculum
objectives and resources to enhance effective learning. Evaluate and assess
students learning, modifying and adjusting where necessary. Keep records
updated as required. Conference with parents and other school officials.
Pre teaching work experience
1984-1985 Immaculate Conception school, Yuma, AZ, Physical
Education teacher, grades K-8
Design and implement a well-rounded physical education program for a local
parochial elementary school for all students in grades K through 4 and boys
in grades 5 through 8. Care for equipment.
1981-1984 Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DODDS),
Iwakuni, Japan
Instructional assistant
Assist Kindergarten and third through fifth grade teachers with classroom
responsibilities. Assure a safe playground environment for students. Also
volunteered to produce and direct the M. C. Perry School Christmas program,
teaching music, choreography, and coordinating parent volunteers for costumes
and set designs.
1979-1985 Director: Water Safety and summer swimming
programs,
Special Services,
Marine Corps Air Station(MCAS), Yuma, AZ, and
MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
Train lifeguards and coordinate with other base officials to assure compliance
with safety regulations. Develop and schedule swimming classes for children
and adults. Register students for swim classes. Recruit and schedule other
qualified swimming instructors to meet the demand for lessons. Supervise
instructors and pool personnel during lesson time.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Enhancing literacy through children’s book author study – Arizona TESOL
conference, Mesa, AZ, April 11, 2003
Using children’s picture book author study to enhance literacy – AWC faculty
seminar, Yuma, February 13, 2003
Goals and objectives of the Alternative Certification Program presentation
to Yuma County School Districts’ administrative teams, Fall 2001
Math and Science Content instruction for LEP students - Presentation for
BME 631, NAU Yuma, May 2001
Valley Horizon math/science/language training presentations - all staff
and small group
Integrating content and language, guest presentation, Integrating Language
and Content
Instruction, BME 450, NAU Yuma, February 1996
District staff development inservices for math and science, various, 1994-present
SCHEMAS II Presenter, GEMS, November 1995
AATM/ASTA Presenter, regional conferences 1993, 1994, 1995
Lower Colorado Teachers of Reading, "Integrating Math and Science" 9/94
District whole language workshop, Integrated thematic instruction training
10/93
District staff development new teacher training for DAP and ASAP 7/93 and
8/93
District inservice training for math 7/92, 8/92, and 10/92
Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM) regional math conference
"Integrated Thematic Units" 4/92
Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA) regional science conference
"Measure Mania" 1/91 and 2/92
Arizona Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)
state conference "Integrated Mapping" 12/91
District inservice training for science 8/90 and 2/91
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
March 18, 2002 Guest speaker for the Yuma Retired Educators
Association luncheon – Teacher education programs and meeting local needs
April 3, 2002 Worked the booth in support of AWC/NAU
partnership at the Yuma County Fair – Provide an interest getting “Jeopardy”
game, showcase new programs, answer questions
2000 – 2001 As part of an independent study - Project facilitator
for LEAP, BEST, BRIDGE grants in Yuma. These three grants were awarded through
the Center for Excellence in Education at Northern Arizona University in
Flagstaff. All of these grants provide Yuma area teachers an opportunity
to participate in graduate programs for ESL, bilingual, and/or special education
and include the use of technology. As facilitator, I meet with instructors,
participants, and administrator on a regular basis, act as liaison between
Flagstaff and Yuma, and assist with formative evaluations and problem solving.
1991 - present Yuma County Math and Science Consortium
Regional Training Center (RTC)
Cadre trainer - Meet with leaders across the county to learn and review
standards and reform for math, science, and technology. Organize and plan
for dissemination of standards throughout Yuma County. Develop training for
teachers in the use of standards. Assist in developing a resource list (which
became a published Resource Directory in 1997) for math, science, and technology
for Yuma County.
For a description of projects listed below see: http://www.ymsrtc.apscc.k12.az.us/Past%20Project%20Summaries.htm
1997-98 MASTER PROJECT (Mathematics and Science Teaching and Excelling
through Research) participant. A grant project through Arizona Western College
and the Arizona Board of Regents to provide teacher enhancement inservice
training in mathematics, science, and technology as it relates to current
research and the (ITI) Integrated Thematic Instruction model.
1995-97 Systemic Reform for math and science, county strategic planning
meetings.
Active participation with leaders throughout Yuma County to address where
we’ve been, where we’re going and how to get there. Consensus to support
the RTC with per capita moneys from each district each year has sustained
the RTC’s leadership roll in development and change.
1996-97 SCHEMAS III, (School Collaboration with Higher Education
for Math And Science) project participant. Collaborative project between
Yuma RTC and AWC to promote understanding of math and science in real life
situations for diverse, underrepresented and underserved students and their
teachers. Personally developed two outdoor activities for the Yuma Conservation
Garden. All teacher-developed activities were compiled and published as
a guide for teachers in Yuma County and distributed to all area schools.
1995-96 SCHEMAS II project participant similar to above including
multimedia technology in math and science. Presenter for the project - How
to use the GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) guides with hands
on example using Paper Towel Testing.
1994-95 SCHEMAS project participant. The first of the three and the
first of its kind in our area. Designed to promote a collaborative network
and to articulate curriculum and instruction among K-20 educators within
Yuma County. The project was developed in part by the codirectors of Yuma
Math and Science RTC under the example of Project SMART (Science and Math
for Arizona Rural Teachers)
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH and EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
International TESOL conference research symposium and conference, April
2002
Regional TESOL mini conference fall 2001
Completion of all coursework for EdD. in Curriculum & Instruction,
spring 2001
Crane Elementary School District teacher inservice training annually
Mastering Math Facts, Crane staff development course, Spring 1999
Strengthening Reading Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills with Roger
Farr, SDR, Phoenix, Fall 1998
Algebra Across the Grades, Math Learning Center, Portland, OR, 1998
Mathematics Leaders Retreat - Phoenix, August 1997
Opening Eyes to Mathematics, Math Learning Center, Portland, OR, 1994
Crane Education Association 1986-present, including the following leadership
positions:
copresident 1993-94;
meet and confer (negotiations) team member 1993-95;
vice president 1989-90;
grievance representative 1990-present;
building representative and board policy reviewer 1993-present
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) regional conference
attendee 1996
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) regional conference attendee
1994
Crane School District Staff Development Courses:
Introduction to using the Internet
Advanced Elements of Instruction
Integrated Thematic Instruction
Whole Language
WordPerfect
Strategies for Assessment & Evaluation
Peer Coaching
Classroom Management
Cooperative Learning
Essential Elements of Instruction
Spalding
COMMITTEES, LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
International Reading Association (IRA)
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Arizona Science Teachers Association (ASTA)
Yuma County Science Teachers Association (YCSTA)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Associate
Arizona Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)
Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Arizona TESOL
American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Valley Horizon School technology committee 1998-2000
Valley Horizon School budget committee 1997-98
Valley Horizon School transition team committee 1996-97
Staff development math/science resource trainer 1994-2000
Crane District technology committee 1992-1995
Crane District math curriculum committee chair 1990-1996
Crane District science curriculum committee 1989-present
Arizona Science Teacher of the Year nominee 1992
Kids Voting school coordinator 1992
Arizona Student Assessment Program (ASAP) school coordinator and scorer
1988-1994
National Education Association (NEA)
Arizona Education Association (AEA)
Crane Education Association (CEA) 1986-present
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
American Association of University Women Arizona (AAUW-AZ )