Willamette University

Candidates

Donald C. Beckman

Master of Arts in Teaching

Donald C. Beckman

Authorizations

Middle School Education, High School Education

Endorsements

Multiple Subjects, Social Studies

Curriculum Vitae | Fall 2011 Work Sample | Spring 2012 Work Sample (Constitutional Government)

Teaching Strengths

  • I believe that I have shown a commitment to engaging students at all ability levels in the learning process. Successful differentiated instruction requires finding ways to connect with students from all backgrounds and teaching them the skills they will need to be successful learners. It also means inspiring students to set goals for themselves and work hard to achieve those goals.
  • I have made literacy across the curriculum a priority in my teaching. I include frequent writing exercises in my curriculum, some formal and structured, some more informal. Of the four literacy skills, I believe that writing is particularly important in helping students organize their thoughts and ideas, in addition to be an important means of communication and self-expression.
  • I came from a working-class background, and I make a special effort to motivate others from disadvantaged backgrounds and to find ways to meet their individual needs.

Education

  • University of Chicago, BA 1983 (sociology)
  • Willamette University, MAT 2012

Teacher Research Topic

My inquiry, in progress, consists of a disciplined and systematic study of my own pedagogical nature and preferences, based on others’ observations and on my own self-observations and reflections.

Experience

Student Teaching (February to June, 2012)

  • South Salem High School, Salem, Oregon, 9th grade 20th Century American History, and 11th grade American Government

Practicum Teaching (November-December, 2011)

  • Walker Middle School, Salem, Oregon, 6th grade social studies

Other Classroom / Youth Experience

  • Religious education (Sunday school) teaching experience at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Salem, Salem, Oregon, kids at all ages, summer 2010.
  • Training student workers (college students) at The Willamette Store, Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, April 1990-January 2012.
  • Training student workers (college students) at Longview Community College Bookstore, Longview Community College, Lee’s Summit, Montana, January 1985-April 1990.

Supervisors

Student Teaching Supervisor

Practicum Supervisor

University Supervisor