​

JOCELYN SPOOR

​

EDUCATION

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE                                                                                 Cumulative GPA: 4.0/4.0

Degree: M.A. in Composition and Rhetoric                                                                             Expected Graduation: May 2023

                                 

Park University, Parkville, MO                                                                                                                 Cumulative GPA: 4.1/4.0

Degrees: B.A. in English and B.S.E. in Secondary Education                                                         Graduation Date: May 2021

​

HONORS AND AWARDS

English Department Honors, Park University (2021)

Making a Difference Award, Park University (2021)

• Given to the junior or senior teacher candidate who best exemplifies commitment to service through their coursework, field experiences, and service.

The Outstanding Parkite Award, Park University (2021)

• Given to two students who best exemplify the ideals of the University in their character, conduct, scholarship, and student activity participation.

Dr. Doris Howell Leadership Award (2020)

• Given to students who distinguish themselves uniquely as leaders and represent the spirit of Park University by showcasing the core values of the University.

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL)

• Administrative Technology, National 3rd Place, State 1st Place (2018)

• Business Communication National 7th Place, State 1st Place (2018)

• Business Decision Making National 7th Place, State 2nd Place (2019)

• Job Interview, National 1st Place, State 1st Place (2021)

• Website Design National 3rd Place, State 2nd Place (2019)

Toni Griggs Award (2019)

• Given to honor students who have made an outstanding contribution to Park through leadership, service, or work performance.

Presidential Scholar (2019, 2020, 2021)

• Cumulative grade point average of 3.9 or above, degree-seeking, full-time student with 30 or more hours.

Park Dean’s List (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2020, Spring 2020)

Park Presidential Scholarship Recipient (2017-Present)

Education Department Honors (2019)

​

RESEARCH AND PRESENTATIONS

“Representing Indigenous Perspectives on Missionary Education in Victorian Periodicals.” One More Voice (Critical                 Essay), Jan. 2023
“Racialized ‘Authority’ and ‘Civilization’ in Victorian Missionary Periodicals.” One More Voice (Critical Essay), Jan. 2023
"Ambiguity, Antiquated Settings, and Cultural Commentary: Adapting Gothic Texts for Film.” Park University English                 Department (Literary/Rhetorical Analysis), Dec. 2020

“How to Serve Communities Virtually." Missouri Phi Beta Lambda (Workshop), Nov. 2020

“Virtual Engagement in Student Organizations.” Park University Student Life (Presentation), Sep. 2020

“The Concept of Hesed in Cambodian Genocide Literature.” Honors Academy (Literary Analysis), May 2019-May 2020

“How to Break the Ice.” Missouri Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference (Workshop), Apr. 2019

Sigma Tau Delta National Conference

• "From Two Cultures to One Identity" (Literary Analysis) Mar. 2020

• "Red as a Metaphorical Langauge" (Literary Analysis) March. 2020

• "Straws" (Creative Fiction Work), Mar. 2019

​

PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE

Student Teaching, North Platte High School

Jan. 2021-May 2021

• Developed curriculum for LA I and seventh grade courses, adjusting for academic needs.

• Taught writing and reading mini lessons in sixth, eighth, sophomore, junior, and senior classes.

• Collaborated with teachers and administration to build welcoming atmospheres for all students.

Teaching Field Experience II, Oak Park High School

Sep. 2020-Dec. 2020

• Observed AP Language, freshmen intervention, and ELA II courses while answering questions.

• Assisted cooperating teacher to brainstorm lesson plans and ensure students completed work.

• Designed and taught lessons according to Missouri Learning Standards while being observed.

Teaching Field Experience I, Faith Christian Academy

Jan. 2020-Mar. 2020

• Observed teaching strategies of my supervising teacher for eighth through twelfth grades.

• Created appropriate lessons according to Missouri Learning Standards about classroom content.

• Taught class periods throughout the semester while being observed by a practicum coordinator.

​

EMPLOYMENT

Graduate Teaching Assistant, The University of Nebraska English Department
Aug 2022-Present
•    Create and implement unit and lesson plans for two first-year composition classes per semester.
•    Meet one-on-one with students for conferences about their progress and ways to improve.
•    Collaborate with cohort members and professors to ensure student needs are met.
Writing Tutor, Park University Academic Success Center
Aug. 2018-Dec. 2022
    Instructed students in writing and English by revising and providing feedback on written works.
    Aided international students with English vocabulary, phrasing, and sentence structure.
    Taught undergraduate and graduate students study skills, including reading comprehension.
Graduate Research Assistant, The University of Nebraska English Department
Aug 2021-May 2022
•    Researched varying English topics for English department professors.
•    Located and discerned source materials for time-sensitive research projects.
•    Worked in the writing center at the front desk to ensure appointments run smoothly

Student Ambassador, Park University Parkville Campus Admissions

Jan. 2018-Dec. 2020

• Gave tours to prospective Park University students in large groups and/or to individual families.

• Assisted the Admissions Office in office work, including filing documents or stuffing folders.

• Facilitated and engaged in group discussion with parents about the safety and support at Park.

Rise Assistant, Oakhill Day School

Aug. 2019-Mar. 2020

• Watched 18-months to 5-year-old children before school began for 1.5 hours.

• Facilitated play and harmony among the students, including discipline and structure.

• Monitored behavior and assisted students in eating, coloring, and other fine-motor skills.

In-Home Special Needs Tutor, Missouri Department of Mental Health

Aug. 2019-Mar. 2020

• Tutored a 19-year-old student with autism regarding handwriting, reading, and comprehension.

• Assisted the student with washing hands, eating properly, and other hygiene matters.

• Communicated with parents about the student’s progress in set goals and skills.

 

ON-CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

English Graduate Student Association, English graduate student government (2021-Present)
•    Vice-President (2022-Present)
•    First-Year MA Representative (2021-2022)
Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), National business leadership organization

• Chapter President (2017-2021)

• State President (2019-2021)

• State Secretary (2018-2019)

Sigma Tau Delta, International English honors society

• Chapter Treasurer (2019-2021)

• Chapter Secretary (2018-2019)

Revive, Inter-Varsity non-denominational Christian organization (2017-2021)

National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Honor society (2018-2021)

Alpha Chi, Honors society for juniors and seniors (2020-2021)

Park Student Government Association (PSGA), Student government

• Secretary (2019-2020)

• Senator (2018-2019)

Crimson Dancers, Student-led dance group (2017-2018)

 

OFF-CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING

Blue Springs Optimist Club Firework Tent Sales (2016-2021)

Missouri Leadership Seminar (MLS)

• Senior Facilitator (2021)

• Junior Facilitator (2016-2019)

• Board of Directors Recruitment Assistant (2017-2018)

• Board of Directors Co-Alumni Director (2018-2019)

Parkhill Baptist Church (PHBC)

• Children’s Church (2018-2021)

• Youth Volunteer (2019-2021)

  • Volunteer at Youth Camp in Bolivar, Missouri (July 2019)

  • Rachel House Volunteer (Fall 2019)

• AWANA Cubbies Lead Teacher (2020-2021)

Parkville Community Band (2017-2019)

Phoenix Family HIKE Reading Tutor (2018-2019)

YouthFriends Elementary ELL Volunteer (2017)