Karen Harfield
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Not only am I a current University of Alberta student, but I am also a single mom going back to school. I have had to deal with various adversities while going to school. But that is likely why I have felt compelled to help others. I am an empathetic educator with a child-focused approach. While in school, I have been volunteering to teach children overseas who are afflicted by war and natural disasters. I have become skilled in creating trauma-informed education for my students and creating safe, supportive learning environments that instill hope and resilience. I am dedicated to helping marginalized youth find their voice and learning to trust amidst tragedy.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer Educator
Classrooms Without Walls
Edmonton, Alberta
01.2024 - Current
- Former online educator to Afghan students and girls
- Current online educator to children in Myanmar afflicted by civil war and devastating earthquakes
- Obtained certification in Psychological First Aid and Trauma-Informed Teaching and Pedagogy to help aid students to effectively address their trauma and aid in their learning.
- Lead trauma-informed care and psychological first aid workshops for teachers and professors in the Myanmar area.
- Working with students to obtain their GED - some have passed their GED exams.
- Instructed students in academic subjects such as Art, Art History, Film Studies, and Social Studies
- Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Engaged students through lecture and discussion, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Created a virtual art gallery to showcase student work.
- Developed and implemented lessons based on GED requirements
- Created tasks, assignments, and in class activities for the students.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons and support student learning.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
Education
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB06-2027
Skills
- Student engagement
- Empathy and patience
- Student relations
- Online teaching
- Cultural awareness
- Trauma-informed care
- Psychological first aid
- Teaching strategies
- Relationship building
Timeline
Volunteer Educator
Classrooms Without Walls
01.2024 - Current
University of Alberta