Emma Raker

Hello! My name is Emma Raker. I am from the United States, but I am currently living in Madrid as a Language Assistant. I graduated from Gonzaga University in May 2022 with my bachelor's degrees in elementary education, history, and a minor in music.

My goal is to become a teacher. At the moment, I am hoping to get a job as an English teacher here in Madrid with my certification from the United States. I am confident that my eagerness for teaching, dedication to social justice, and esteem for diversity are in line with the school's principles and aspirations. My recent experience as a Language Assistant in the Community of Madrid has further honed my versatility and expertise as an educator.

During my studies at Gonzaga, I acquired the skills to provide meaningful and effective instruction across all subjects, particularly in mathematics and English-Language Arts. I am committed to providing students with an exemplary foundation for their future academic pursuits and setting an example of excellent learning skills. Furthermore, I am dedicated to promoting social-emotional well-being for all students.

I strongly believe that cultivating positive relationships and a safe, supportive learning environment are vital to the success of students. As an educator, I strive to establish a classroom culture that respects and celebrates diversity and encourages students to share their distinctive perspectives and experiences.

Through my experiences in Madrid, I have developed into a more well-rounded educator, having collaborated with various teachers with different teaching styles. I have also adapted my teaching approach to meet the needs of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and have worked extensively on communication in both English and Spanish to better connect with and facilitate my students' learning. My proficiency in meeting the diverse needs of all students and creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment has significantly improved.

Teaching Experiences

Sección Delegada IES África – Madrid, Spain

Language Assistant (1°ESO-4°ESO) September 2022 – Present

• Planned lessons aligned with the standards of Community of Madrid for English in 1°ESO-4°ESO; created engaging lessons to teach about American culture; skills in English grammar, speaking, writing, and listening; diversified content for all student levels and needs; implemented and maintained classroom management techniques; fostered classroom community.
• Collaborated with the English department in weekly meetings; provided conversation opportunities for school faculty.

Greenacres Elementary School – Spokane Valley, Washington

Student Teaching (Fifth Grade) January 2022 – June 2022

• Created lesson plans and planning for twenty-four fifth grade students in all content areas aligned to the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and National Standards for Social Studies Standards.
• Implemented curriculum and supplemented to meet student needs; attention to Social Emotional Learning of each student; respected students’ unique and diverse backgrounds; fostered meaningful relationships; fostered purposeful implementation of technology in the classroom; developed and maintained effective classroom management; advocated for two students in annual IEP meetings and for one in a referral process.

Collaboration

• Worked alongside mentor teacher and fifth-grade team to plan and collaborate during weekly meetings; planned for reading intervention groups; worked alongside resource room teachers to scaffold and differentiate for students; attended parent-teacher conferences; corresponded with parents via email. 

Math is Cool

• Coached alongside mentor teacher for extra-curricular math team; planned lessons and activities for fifth grade students in preparation for competition.

Other Work Experiences

Starbucks Corporation – Spokane, Washington

Barista, trainer and shift leader March 2019 – January 2022

• Provided food and customer service according to corporate objective standards and improvised solutions in fast-paced environment.

Gonzaga University Residential Housing Association Executive Board – Spokane, Washington

Director of Administration and Finance November 2019 – May 2020

• Accounted for club finances and allocated the association’s budget, attended weekly meeting with other housing employees, supervisors, and executive board members; oversaw and took minutes from weekly club meetings with student members; oversaw and collaborated in planning activities for Gonzaga students living in residence halls.

Cheesecake Factory – Lynwood, Washington

Front of house crew and cashier May 2021 – August 2022

• Provided best of class customer service as part of a fifty-member team including ad-hoc problem solving and peer leadership.

Private Family – Mill Creek, Washington

Early childhood educator June 2017 – Present

• Provided care for children ranging in ages of 2-11; developed age-appropriate learning activities related to reading, writing, and mathematics; maintained safe and secure household during daily activities; utilized basic safety, health, and first-aid training.

Gonzaga University

Bachelor of Arts, History August 2018 – May 2022

• GPA: 3.875
• 2020 – 2022: President’s List (Semester GPA above 3.8)
• 2018 – 2019: Dean’s List (Semester GPA above 3.5)
• 2021 – 2022: Phi Alpha Theta (Honor Society for History) – Attended meetings, activities, and conferences. Presented historical research at WWU conference Spring 2022.

Certifications

Washington State Residency Certificate; Elementary Education Endorsement K-8; Social Studies in progress