Tara M. Whitaker is pursuing a Master's degree in Special Education and certifications in Special Education and as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired from Stephen F. Austin State University. She has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the same university. Her objective is to become a teacher of the visually impaired. She has experience as a substitute teacher, student teacher, and intern working with students from pre-K to 12th grade. She also has experience working as a group leader for an after school program and interned teaching literacy and math in Kindergarten.

1. Tara M. Whitaker
2405 Bastille Ct. 469-835-2178
McKinney, TX 75070 whitakertm1@titan.sfasu.edu
OBJECTIVE
To become a teacher of the visually impaired.
EDUCATION
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas
Master of Education in Special Education, Degree In Progress
Special Education and Teacher of the Visually Impaired certifications in progress.
Current GPA: 3.5
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, December 2012
Certified EC-6 Generalist; ESL certified (EC-6)
Cumulative GPA: 3.2
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Substitute Teacher March 2013 – Present
McKinney ISD, McKinney, Texas
Substituted in Pre-K through 12th
grade classrooms of various subjects.
Implemented lesson plans and managed the classroom in the absence of a teacher.
Student Teaching August 2012 – December 2012
Nacogdoches ISD
Fredonia Elementary - Kindergarten
Thomas J. Rusk Academy of Fine Arts – 3rd
grade Math and Science
Created and taught daily lesson plans in both team-taught Kindergarten and 3rd
grade classrooms.
Evaluated student performance and maintained ongoing records of student progress.
Participated in team lesson planning and faculty meetings.
Intern II January 2012 – May 2012
SFASU Charter School, Nacogdoches, Texas
Observed classroom environment and taught math, social studies, and science lessons in both
Kindergarten and 5th
grade classrooms.
Intern I August 2011 – December 2011
Huntington Elementary, Huntington, Texas
Observed classroom environment and assisted with classroom management.
Worked with a small guided reading group to conduct a semester-long literacy project.
Assisted mentor teacher with day to day activities.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Cross-Cultural Learning Experience August 2012
Study Abroad in Costa Rica
Gained firsthand knowledge of Costa Rican and Latin cultures.
Visited a grade school where students and teachers were observed in the classroom.
Experienced the linguistic struggles and culture shock faced by students entering a new country.
Student Worker May 2010 – August 2012
SFASU Department of Biology, Nacogdoches, Texas
Assisted with office tasks such as answering phones, making copies, and organizing student files
both on paper and electronically.
Answered questions and placed students with advising professors.
Helped plan, administer, and grade annual Biology Achievement Exam for area high school students.
Group Leader August 2007 – August 2008
Club 360, McKinney ISD, McKinney, Texas
Responsible for groups of 2nd
and 3rd
grade students in an after school and summer day camp
program.
Monitored behavior and helped students with homework questions.
Planned daily gym and art activities.
Ready, Set, Teach Student Internship August 2007 – May 2008
McKinney High School, McKinney, Texas
Gained experience teaching literacy and math in a Kindergarten classroom at Slaughter Elementary.
INVOLVEMENT
Member of Delta Zeta Sorority
Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE)
References available upon request.