Sarah Griffith
Digital
Where I've Taught
Download my CV for full details
Background
Virtual/Online Learning
COVID Response
At the start of 2020, the landscape for virtual learning changed drastically. I was hired by Notre Dame of MD in March to immediately start teaching online. During my time I taught Conversation, Reading, and Pronunciation.Using a flipped classroom model and numerous online technologies, I developed methods to foster student engagement even when socially distanced.In 2021 I joined the English for Academic Purposes department at Durham Technical Community College where I teach students using a hybrid model.
English Program Development
In 2020, I launched an online English program and social communityexclusively for women who speak English as a foreign language.Designed for women at an intermediate and advanced level, my program provides a safe, welcoming place for women to speak up and share their ideas. Each week women from 10+ countries join live to discuss advanced level topics and improve their conversation skills.As the founder, I have created all the materials and marketing as well as built the platform on WordPress.To learn more about the program, click here.
University and Academic ESL
Monolingual and Multilingual Classrooms
I have taught in monolingual and multilingual classrooms for academic ESL. I am experienced in curriculum design and have taught courses with and without textbooks.
I have taught Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation and Grammar in Intensive English Programs. Students complete fun, interactive projects like poster presentations, online audio presentations, weekly field trips, and conversation circles.
Additionally, I have taught online courses with asynchronous lessons and live class components. I am skilled at developing flipped classrooms to ensure students progress and participate in a class community.
Program Development & Coordination
Community Outreach, Marketing and Student Recruitment
I was the Coordinator and teacher with the Gonzaga English Community Outreach, GECO. The program offers free ESL classes to adult immigrants and refugees and lets student-teachers gain teaching practice.
In this position, I expanded the program from an average attendance of 2-5 students to a multi-level program averaging 20-25+ students per week.
I coordinated a team of teachers and assistant coordinators. My tasks included scheduling, reviewing lesson plans, observing new teachers, providing teacher feedback, and assessing and placement of new students. I also marketed the program on social media, applied for grants, and networked to get local news coverage.
Additionally, I oversaw the development of a Pre-K class to provide lessons to children while the parents attended adult classes and secured grants for materials, snacks, and graduation party.
To learn more about the program and my research click here
Publications on the program:
International NGO/K-12
NGO Partnership
Hired as an inaugural teacher for a new partnership between One Sky Foundation and Udomsitthisuksa School in Sangkhlaburi, Thailand, I taught grades 10 and 11. My class focused on conversational English and I manage the learning experience of 180 students.In this position, I am laid the foundation for a future expansive program and developed solutions for language learning in large classes with limited resources. Additionally, my focus was on developing critical thinking skills and breaking the norms of choral teaching and teacher-centered classrooms.
Thoughts from my students
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Education
Gonzaga University
2016-2018
Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
100 Hour TEFL Certificate
International TEFL Academy
2015
170-Hour TEFL Certificate
Salisbury University
2007-2009
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
See more about My Leadership and Pre-service Teacher training
Gonzaga ESL Community Outreach: the Community-based ESL Teacher Training Program
- Increased total student enrollment from 5 students to 50 students in one year
- Increased volunteer teacher participation from 8 teachers to 27 teachers
- Established a mentoring program, allowing for structured peer-to-peer student-teacher mentoring
- Crafted afternoon workshop based on students' needs including Writing and Job Interviewing
- Expanded program from one multi-level class to three leveled classes with a placement assessment
- Applied for and awarded $1750 of grants and sponsorships
To read more the project, and research, visit: www.communitytesolprogram.com
Materials development
Take a look at a selection of materials I have developed.
I often incorporate authentic texts, music, songs, and interactive activities.
Gallery
Photos from my classrooms and programs
Connect
Find me on social media
Facebook
LinkedIn
The English Sisterhood on Instagram
