Sarah E. Youmans
5602 Kibby Rd.• Jackson, MI 49201 • (517) 750-2407 home (517) 740-6230 cell
E-mail: youmans1@msu.edu
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Objective
To obtain a position teaching social studies or English in an urban school district that would give me a
chance to apply my background in education and my experience working with children. I also hope to work
with extra-curricular activities.
Summary
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Strong background in education with a track record of successfully working and volunteering with diverse children
of all ages (7+ years of experience)
More than four years of experience with lesson and activity planning for toddlers through high school students of
diverse backgrounds as well as diverse settings of an urban school district, alternative middle school, a rural middle
school, and a free preschool targeted at low-income families
Responsible and organized with strong people skills and the ability to lead others in tasks. Networking and
conversational skills strong from working in several volunteer organizations as well as time management achieved.
Understands the importance of professional development and has and will continue to take advantage of learning
opportunities.
Teaching-related work experience
Student Teacher and Long-Term Substitute summer 2004 - present
Jackson High School Jackson, MI
Experience working in a diverse urban school district, teaching sociology with Mr. Erik Weatherwax and English
with Mr. Paris Anderson. Teaching two hours of each subject and have created lesson plans, activities, and
assessments for these hours independently and in partnership with these teachers. Asked to stay on through June as a
long-term sub for economics teacher Andrea McKay. Participating in professional development
including, but not limited to serving on the school’s “climate & culture” committee, volunteering with student extracurricular activities, technology workshop at Michigan State, and leading an community oral history project.
Lead Toddler Teacher
May 2003- August 2004
(prior to that role, lead teaching assistant at the same center December 2001-May 2003)
People’s Church Preschool East Lansing, MI
Worked primarily in the toddler room of this center. Developed enrichment, cognitive, and large-motor activities to
develop toddler abilities. Responsible for lesson plans, parent-teacher conferences, room decorations, and transition
activities for fifteen to thirty-six months old children. Provided a support network and leadership for a support staff
of six employees. Professional development included NAEYC-sponsored activities and workshops, as well as safety
activities. Regular postings of excellence from preschool office.
Teaching Lead Assistant May 2002-August 2002 (end of program)
Jackson Child Care Center- Summer Youth Program
Jackson, MI
Teaching lead assistant for ages 4-12 at this youth program. Developed a variety of creative art, motor, and multi-age
activities for the various age and skill levels in this program.
Education
Michigan State University – James Madison College 3.7/4.0 GPA Years: 2000-2004
Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations with Pi Beta Kappa recognition
Michigan State’s teacher certification program with general social studies certification and an English minor
expected completion - April 2005
Dean’s List- eight semesters
Western High School, Parma MI
Years: 1996-2000
graduated with highest honors (3.821/4.0 GPA)
Volunteer teaching-related experience
- High school youth group leader spring 2004-present
Worked with adults and other college students supervising and implementing faith-based activities for
high school age youth. Exercised strategies for small-group management and worked to enhance
cooperative skills among these students.
- Pre-internship at Webberville Middle School 4hrs/wk from fall 2003-spring 2003
Responsible for planning, teaching, supervising, and analyzing lesson plans for rural area students 7th
grade geography and 8th grade history. Practiced classroom management skills and subject organization,
as well as created lesson plans and student assessments.
- Junior High School Michigan Congregational Church camp counselor - July 2003
In charge of female middle school students supervising and conducting small and large group faith-based
activities. Serving and clean up of meals, camp activities, worship, and singing.
- Tutor at the Renaissance Alternative Middle School in 2002 4hrs/wk.
Assisted students with severe disciplinary and emotional impairments that prevented their placement in a
regular middle-school environment with their class activities and work. Worked with students to provide
extra instruction and supervise extracurricular activities.
- Tutor for the Boys and Girls Club in spring 2001 2hrs/wk.
Assisted students from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds with various school subjects.
Monitored extracurricular after-school activities such as art and gym time.
Leadership Skills-Honors-Membership
Executive board for the Student Admissions Committee 2000-2004
Michigan State University’s Office of Admissions and Scholarships
Developed programs to increase minority recruitment at Michigan State. Expertise in handling publicity
campaigns and promotional materials to recruit and retain multicultural students. Supervised and helped
maintain the Day @ State program, which pairs up high school prospective students with a college student
in their major to experience MSU. Served as secretary and co-president of this committee. Received Team
of the Year award and recognition for contributions to the group.
Membership to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars 2001-present
Mediator for H.O.P.E group 2000-2002
responsible for planning college age projects for Christian youth organization that aims to impact the
community through spiritual life and mission projects.
Skills-Personal interests
- 65+ WPM and high level proficiency with computer skills and programs including MS Word and
PowerPoint.
- Able to work effectively with a team and a superior, as well as balance work, school, and
community activities.
- Voracious reader of all types of literature and enjoy being up-to-date on issues and current events.
- Enjoys running, cheerleading, and colorguard activities. Hope to coach any of those activities or be
involved with others like student council, dance team, and class officers.