Shurden Garrett

(315) 921-4349|garretsw@dukes.jmu.edu|
shurdengarrett.weebly.com
School Address: Home Address:
865 Port Republic Road, Apt 313 22004 Halliburton Cove
Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Oxford, MS 38655

Objective To become a collaborative member of a Pre-K through Grade 6 teaching team, to pursue a
passion for educating and inspiring students to become lifelong learners.

Education James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education (May 2017)
GPA 4.0
Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies (May 2016)

Certification Elementary Education (Pre-K- Grade 6), Virginia (Anticipated May 2017)

Teaching Experience

Practicum Student, Grade 2, Linville-Edom Elementary School, Rockingham County, VA (January-April 2017)
Constructed an inquiry-based research project exploring the benefits of project-based learning across the
elementary curriculum
Collected data through anecdotal notes, implementation of planned activities, journals, and student and teacher
conversations

Student Teacher, Grade 2, Linville-Edom Elementary School, Rockingham County, VA (October- December 2016)
Integrated technology in Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies lessons through the use of iPads, computers,
and SmartBoard in at least two lessons per day
Co-planned weekly with cooperating teacher and Grade 2 team
Facilitated morning meetings and daily routines
Assisted in implementing classroom management
Communicated with parents during conferences and after-school activities

Student Teacher, Grade 4, Luray Elementary School, Page County, VA (August-October 2016)
Closely followed a school-wide adopted Common Core math curriculum, Eureka, and adapted lessons to meet
Virginia Standards of Learning
Designed hands-on science lessons and math centers around the implementation of manipulatives, project-based
activities, and technology on computers and SmartBoard
Collaborated with cooperating teacher and Grade 4 team
Reinforced classroom management using school-wide behavior management plan

Practicum Student, Grade 3, Hugh K. Cassell Elementary School, Augusta County, VA (January-April 2016)
Planned and taught weekly lessons in Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science
Executed differentiated reading groups based on the Daily Five instructional method
Implemented technology in at least one lesson per day, through the use of Chrome books, i.e. Google Classroom
and online math and reading programs
Developed and applied a semester-long SMART Goal

Intercultural Teaching Practicum, JMU Study Abroad, Grades 2 and 3 (May-June 2015)
Bessbrook Primary School, Newry, Northern Ireland
Observed cultural and community influence on education for five weeks
Consulted frequently with Northern Ireland school administrators and JMU students and faculty to compare
United States Elementary and Northern Ireland Primary reading and math curriculums
Practicum Student, Pre-K, Waterman Elementary School, Harrisonburg City, VA (August-December 2015)
Encouraged play and creativity in the weekly curriculum
Adapted curriculum to meet needs of English Language Learners and learners with special needs
Assisted in implementing classroom management
Developed a semester long research project and case study on the observations of one child

Relevant Experience

Residential Instructor, Oakland School, Keswick, VA (June-August 2015, 2014)

Supervised and guided students ages 6-15 with dyslexia, ADHD, visual/auditory processing disorders, autism, and
other educational differences
Communicated daily with faculty and staff, residential supervisors, academic chairmen, and school psychologists
regarding student progress and concerns
Lead differentiated science and art lessons, team building activities, and lead after-school activities, including
sports clubs and reading club

Teaching Assistant, Oakland School, Keswick, VA (June-August 2015, 2014)

Assisted students with reading comprehension, fluency, word study, writing, and handwriting
Co-planned with teachers to implement reading and writing strategies based on students needs and progress

Leadership Experience

Philanthropy Chairman of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, JMU (December 2014-December 2015)
Ambassador for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital
o Attended St. Jude Leadership Conference, Memphis, TN
Planned fundraising events on JMUs campus
o Raised over $60,000 for St. Jude throughout the 2014-2015 school year
Delegated responsibility to philanthropy committee members and worked under Public Relations team

Activities and Intramural Chairman, Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, JMU (December 2013-December 2014)
Organized team-building activities and encouraged campus involvement, including participation in intramural
sports and JMU events

Honors
President's List (Fall Semester 2016)
President's List (Spring Semester 2016)
Dean's List (Fall Semester 2015)
Dean's List (Spring Semester 2015)

Activities
Member, Student Virginia Education Association (2012-present)
Member, Delta Delta Delta Fraternity (2012-2016)
Volunteer, Asbury United Methodist Church, Childcare, Harrisonburg, VA (Fall 2015)
Volunteer, Second Home After-School Program, Harrisonburg, VA (2014- 2015)
Volunteer, Cats Cradle, Non-profit Rescue Shelter, Harrisonburg, VA (2014- 2015)
Volunteer, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Charlottesville, VA (2014- 2015)
Member, JMU Womens Club Lacrosse Team (2012-2014)
Member, InterVarsity Club (2012-2014)

Related Skills
Lacrosse Experience- interest in coaching opportunities
Volunteer, Community Service, and Fundraising Experience- interest in developing community service programs
Military Experience- interest in working with students of military families