AJ Bu: Creating an Inclusive Environment

Every student has the right to a welcome environment that supports their academic success, and I am committed to fostering such an environment. This page includes a list (including descriptions) of:

the education courses I took which cover teaching diverse students
relevant leadership positions I have held
my teaching experiences with students with disabilities
my teaching experiences with Urban Schools

For a complete list of my teaching experiences, click here.

For a complete list of the education courses I took, click here.

Relevant Education Coursework on Diversity

EDUC2211 Secondary Curriculum and Instruction

Provides an introduction to secondary teaching practices as well as an overview of the history and structure of secondary schools. Topics include curriculum theory and development, interdisciplinary teaching, teaching students with diverse learning abilities, application of educational research, assessment, national standards, and alternative models for secondary schools. Focuses on the role of the teacher in secondary education reform. Taught on-site and in conjunction with secondary education teacher candidates' first prepracticum experience, this course offers a unique opportunity for a cohort experience in which preservice teachers work closely with each other, high school faculty, the instructor, and urban students.

APSY2O4l Adolescent Psychology

This course introduces the breadth of opportunities and challenges of human development across the adolescent years. It discusses biological, social, psychological, and cognitive changes that occur during adolescence; the role of autonomy, belonging, and motivation in adolescent development; how peers, adults, and technology influence adolescent development; and how adolescents race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and academic identities influence their development. Consideration will be given to variability in adolescent development across cultures and contexts, and to the impact of rapid cultural change on youth.

APSY1031 Family, School, and Society

This is one of two foundational courses (APSY1030-APSY1031) that introduce students to the multiple dimensions of child development, and the place of education in promoting healthy development for all children. This course considers the social and cultural contexts that shape developmental and educational processes. Focuses on understanding the nature of contemporary social problems including racism, sexism, ethnic prejudice, poverty, and violence, as they affect children, families, and schooling. Emphasizes the special role of education in linking community resources for an integrated approach to serving children and families.

EDUC3386 Introduction to Sign Language and Deafness

A course in the techniques of manual communication with an exploration of the use of body language and natural postures, fingerspelling, and American Sign Language. Theoretical foundations of total communication will be investigated. Issues related to deafness are also presented.

Relevant Leadership Positions (Mainly involving the LGBTQ community)

President of GRADient, the LGBTQ professional and graduate student association at Rutgers University. (June 2020-Present)

Also successfully applied to make GRADient a recognized Graduate Student Organization.

Leader on the Spectrum Retreat at Boston College (February 2017)

Led and gave a talk on a formation retreat for LGBTQ students at Boston College
Facilitated small group discussion and aided mentees in self-reflection and self-discovery

Pride Peers Mentor and Presenter at Boston College (September 2014- May 2017)

Mentored LGBTQ Boston College students in self-discovery and social, familial, academic, and LGBTQ issues
Facilitated small group discussion and aided mentees in self-reflection and self-discovery
Gave presentations and facilitated discussions in dorms and classes about gender identity and sexuality
Trained by University Counseling Services, University Mission and Ministry, and the Office of the Dean of Students

Coordinator (2015) and Assitant Director of Gender Programming (2016) for the GLBTQ Leadership Council at Boston College

Planned, organized, and implemented campus wide events that promote awareness on LGBTQ+ issues and help gain equality, acceptance, and undertanding for LGBTQ+ students

Part of Communications Committee for Allies of Boston College (September 2014-May 2015)

Ran social media page for the Gay-Straight alliance at Boston College
Raised awareness on LGBTQ issues and promoted acceptance of the LGBTQ community

Part of Publicity Committee for To Write Love On Her Arms - Boston College (Spring 2014)

Used social media and created flyers to raise mental health awareness and publicize the club and its events

Going even further back, during high school, I was the co-president of the Gay-Straight Alliance

Teaching Experiences - Students with Disabilities

Student teacher for a Special Education Physics class at Brighton High School (Spring 2015)

Observed lessons taught by the cooperating teacher and instructed students in small groups
Planned and taught lessons
Created handouts and worksheets to aid student learning and assess student understanding
Managed classroom climate and accommodated needs of diverse learners

Volunteer Stepping Stones School (Summer 2012, Summer 2013, Summer 2014)

Volunteered at a school for children with Down Syndrome
Assisted in classroom for students ages 5-9
Instructed students in speech, sign language, reading, writing, and counting
Observed and assisted in physical therapy and occupational therapy

Full time classroom intern at The Winston School (May-June 2013)

Assisted in classes grades 3-8 for students with language based learning disabilities
Taught students in grades 3-8 one-on-one in math, English, science
Observed and assisted in occupational and speech therapy

Teaching Experiences - Urban Schools

Student teacher for Physics (Special education) and Advanced Algebra classes at Brighton High School (Spring 2015)

Observed lessons taught by the cooperating teachers and instructed students in small groups
Planned and taught lessons
Created handouts and worksheets to aid student learning and assess student understanding
Managed classroom climate and accommodated needs of diverse learners

Going even further back, during high school, I was a tutor for the Suburban Cultural Education Enrichment Program (SCEEP)

Tutored elementary school students from Newark, NJ