Virtual Virginia Flashcards
Can you tell us about your experience with curriculum development?
I have extensive experience developing curriculum, both independently and collaboratively. For example, I redesigned a Canvas course over a single weekend for a summer school class with low-level ELL students. By consulting with ELL specialists and creating differentiated materials, I ensured the course was accessible and effective. I also look for lesson ideas online or reflect on real-life situations to identify skills students will need, using those observations as inspiration to build lessons tailored to their future success.
How do you ensure that your curriculum meets the needs of diverse learners?
I use data to create effective groupings and design differentiated activities. For example, I place a high, low, and mid-level student at every table, with the lowest of the lows closest to me and the highest of the highs farther away. I base these groupings on reading scores and grades to ensure balanced and supportive collaboration. I also adapt Canvas materials frequently, adding scaffolding when students ask questions or revising lessons when I notice patterns of mistakes during grading.
What strategies do you use to align curriculum with standards?
I thoroughly review the standards and identify essential skills and knowledge. Then, I design lessons backward to ensure alignment. For instance, I’ve designed projects that not only meet English communication standards but also prepare students for real-world applications, such as professional writing or creating digital presentations.
How do you stay updated on best practices in curriculum design?
As a National Board-Certified English Teacher, I’m committed to professional growth. I attend professional development sessions, research current trends in education, and seek out innovative teaching strategies. Observing how students engage with materials and adapting to their needs is also part of staying current. For example, I’ve incorporated tools like Nearpod after noticing its ability to engage students interactively.
How do you integrate technology into curriculum development?
Technology is central to my curriculum development process. I use platforms like Canvas to organize courses and tools like Studio to create engaging video content. I also use Canva to create digital versions of carousel activities. For instance, I design templates for the class, assign topics to groups, and have them collaborate by adding images to represent their term. During presentations, each group explains their slide, which fosters collaboration and understanding.
What is your process for evaluating the effectiveness of a curriculum?
I rely on both student performance data and ongoing observations. I use data for groupings to adjust lesson delivery and assignments, while frequent updates to Canvas pages reflect real-time feedback. If I notice patterns of errors in assignments, I immediately revise or scaffold the content. These strategies ensure the curriculum remains responsive and effective.
How would you handle feedback or revisions to your curriculum?
Feedback is essential for improvement. For example, when revising a Canvas course for ELL students, I incorporated suggestions from specialists to ensure accessibility and alignment with standards. I also regularly revise content based on questions or common errors students make, ensuring lessons remain clear and effective.
Can you give an example of a challenging curriculum project and how you managed it?
When planning senior mock interviews for 300 students, I handled everything independently, from coordinating volunteers to aligning activities with curriculum standards. Despite the logistical challenges, the event was highly praised for its smooth execution and impact on students’ career readiness.
How do you incorporate student engagement into your curriculum design?
I focus on creating interactive, hands-on activities that involve student collaboration. For example, I use Canva for carousel activities where students work in groups to add visuals to a shared template representing their assigned term. During presentations, each group explains their slide, which fosters engagement and reinforces learning. I also draw lesson inspiration from real-world connections to make the content relevant and engaging.
Why are you interested in this position with Virtual Virginia?
I’m passionate about creating equitable and engaging learning experiences, which aligns with Virtual Virginia’s mission. My experience with online education through Virtual Prince William has shown me how impactful well-designed curricula can be for diverse learners. I’m excited to contribute my skills to this project and support students across the state.
What role do you see data playing in curriculum development?
Data plays a central role in my classroom and curriculum decisions. I use it for grouping students by skill level to foster balanced collaboration and to adjust lesson content based on observed needs. For example, I track reading scores and grades to ensure every table includes high, mid, and low-level students, and I revise Canvas materials in response to patterns of student questions or common mistakes.
How do you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in curriculum projects?
My time management strategy is compartmentalization. I plan ahead, allocate specific time blocks for tasks, and leave space for unexpected needs. Unless something urgent arises, I stick to my schedule. This consistency helps me stay ahead, as I regularly use my allotted time for the allotted tasks. For example, this approach allowed me to redesign a Canvas course in a weekend without sacrificing quality.
How do you collaborate with others during curriculum development?
Collaboration is key to effective curriculum design. When creating materials for ELL students, I worked closely with specialists to ensure the curriculum was accessible. I value input from colleagues and use it to refine my work and improve outcomes.
How do you approach creating assessments for your curriculum?
I design assessments that align with learning objectives and emphasize real-world applications of English skills. I encourage students to reference their notes during assessments because they are not yet experts, and skilled communicators consistently refer to experts when completing complex tasks. This approach teaches students how to use resources effectively, a crucial skill for real-world success.
What are your long-term goals in curriculum development?
My goal is to create innovative, accessible curricula that empower students to succeed. I aim to leverage my expertise in English education and instructional design to develop content that is engaging, practical, and aligned with the needs of a diverse student population.
