Mimi Corcoran
   George Mason University
   Educational Leadership Ph.D. Portfolio
   Primary Concentration:  Mathematics
   Secondary Concentration: Instructional Technology
       
Professional Experience
 TEACHING
UNIVERSITY TEACHING EXPERIENCES

Adjunct Mathematics Professor (August 2002 – December 2011)
Strayer University, Newington, VA
Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate mathematics classes, both synchronous and asynchronous, in an online environment. Develop course materials, including audio recordings, PowerPoint slides, assessments, and instructional documents.

Courses taught:

MAT 300 – Descriptive Statistics
This course examines the principles of probability and of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include probability concepts, measures of central tendency, normal distributions, and sampling techniques. The application of these principles to simple hypothesis testing methods and to confidence intervals is also covered. The application of these topics in solving problems encountered in personal and professional settings is also discussed.
MAT 310 – Calculus
Introduces the fundamental concepts of calculus. Includes geometric interpretation of the derivative and integral, techniques of differentiation, the first and second derivative test, curve sketching, the fundamental theorem of calculus, techniques of integration, and the area between two curves.
MAT 200 – PreCalculus
Review of algebraic techniques. Includes selected advanced topics such as matrices and determinants as techniques for solving linear systems in three or more variables, elementary concepts of analytic geometry, and logarithms. Emphasizes business-related word problems.
MAT 090 – Fundamentals of Mathematics Reviews algebraic techniques. Includes selected advanced topics such as matrices and determinants as techniques for solving linear systems in three or more variables, elementary concepts of analytic geometry, and logarithms. Emphasizes business-related word problems.
Adjunct Business Professor (March 2002 – August 2002)
Strayer University, Newington, VA
Responsibilities include teaching graduate classes in the School of Business.

Courses taught:

BUS 520 Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Analyzes the interaction of individual, group, and organizational dynamics which influence human behavior in organizations and determine appropriate management approaches to foster a productive work environment. Examines a variety of theories, models, and strategies used to understand motivation and individual behavior, decision-making, the dynamics of groups, work teams, communication, leadership, power and politics, conflict resolution, work design, organizational structure and culture, and managing change. Provides a conceptual base for managers to interpret, assess, and influence human behavior in an organization.
BUS 599 Strategic Management Examines the strategic management process and implementation of successful business strategies in the highly competitive and dynamic global environment. Analyzes the impact of technology, government policy, and world economic and political forces on strategy formulation and execution. This course is the culminating course for the MBA program. Analytic, integrative, and decision-making skills will be exercised through the use of case analysis and decision making that will involve the core business functions, leadership challenges, and global operations.
Adjunct Business Instructor (September 1999-June 2000)
Lord Fairfax Community College, Warrenton, VA
Responsibilities include teaching classes in the School of Business.

Course taught:

BUS 100 - Introduction to Business
Presents a broad introduction to the functioning of business enterprise within the U.S. economic framework. Introduces economic systems, essential elements of business organization, production, human resource management, marketing, finance and risk management.
Adjunct Mathematics Instructor (March 1988 – June 1989)
University of Alaska, Adak, AK
Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate mathematics classes.

Course taught:

MATH 107 - Selected Topics in College Algebra
An introduction to equations, inequalities, and absolute values and a study of functions and their properties, including the development of graphing skills with polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Applications are also covered..
Adjunct Mathematics Instructor (March 1985 – June 1986)
University of Maryland, Stuttgart, Germany
Responsibilities include teaching undergraduate mathematics classes.

Course taught:

MATH S055 - Fundamentals of Algebra
Introduction to elementary algebra including writing, simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions; polynomials, factoring, rational forms, graphing, radicals, linear equations, linear inequalities, and problem solving. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCES

Mathematics Teacher (August 2002 – present)
Highland School, Warrenton, VA
Courses taught: AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, Calculus, AP Statistics, Statistics, Honors PreCalculus, PreCalculus, Algebra III, Algebra II, Introduction to Business, Journalism, Introductory Ceramics. Also administer the monthly Math Contest, serve as faculty sponsor of the Math Club, Animals Anonymous, Christian Fellowship, International Club, and the Key Club. Faculty sponsor for senior internships.

Mathematics Teacher (August 2001– August 2002)
Madeira School, McLean, VA
Courses taught: Algebra II and Geometry. Also serve as faculty advisor.
 RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS 
RESEARCH:
  • Reasearch Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) (June 2012 - August 2012)   College of Education and Human Development and College of Mathematical Sciences,  George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.  This research program, funded by the NSF, included two in-service high school teacher participants.  My research focused on regression modeling and its relationship to Calculus.
    Professor:  Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer

  • Lead Instructor, Expeditions in Science Technology Engineering Education through Mathematics (ESTEEM) (July 2012 - September 2012).  College of Education and Human Development and College of Mathematical Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Developed (Lesson Overview, Lesson Plan, Pre-assessment, Post-assessment and Worksheet) and taught sessions on statistics and on motion graphing technology at summer institute.  Contributed to lesson development for other instructors.  Graded pretests and posttests.  Ran statistical significance tests and wrote a summary of student progress including anecdotal information.
    Professors:  Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer and Dr. Jennifer Suh

  • Using Calculator Based Ranger (CBR) Technology to Enhance Calculus Students' Understanding of Motion, Velocity and Acceleration (January 2012-May 2012).  Developed and conducted a research study with high school Calculus students.  College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, and Highland School, Warrenton, Virginia.
    Professor: Dr. Jennifer Suh

  • Graduate Research Assistant (September 2011-May 2012).  College of Education and Human Development and College of Mathematical Sciences,  George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.  Videotaped and transcribed graduate classes in Statistics.  Developed statistics modules for summer courses for in-service teachers. 
    Professor: Dr. Toni M. Smith
     
  • Graduate Research Assistant (July 2011).  College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Served as research archivist for Center for Outreach in Mathematics Professional Learning and Educational Technology (COMPLETE) Summer Institute.  Contributed to instruction sessions. Wrote field notes on observations. Reviewed and summarized participants' daily reflections.  
    Professors:  Dr. Jennifer Suh and Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer
  • Graduate Research Assistant (July 2011).  College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Served as research archivist for ESTEEM Summer Institute. Contributed to instruction sessions. Wrote field notes on observations. Reviewed and summarized participants' daily reflections.  
    Professors:  Dr. Toni M. Smith, Dr. Jennifer Suh and Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer
  • Research Project (January 2010-May 2011). College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, and Highland School, Warrenton, Virginia.  Developed and conducted a research study on the efficacy of AP Calculus students teaching Calculus classes. 
    Professor: Dr. Jennifer Suh 
  • Graduate Research Assistant (September 2010-May 2011).  College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.  Transcribed classroom discussion data. Contributed to research article on teacher and student understanding of randomness.
    Professor: Dr. Toni M. Smith  
  • Graduate Research Assistant (August 2010).  College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Videotaped and photographed sessions of the COMPLETE Math Summer Institute.  Instructor for two sessions. Wrote field notes on observations.  Photographed all course artifacts. Reviewed and summarized participants' daily reflections.  
    Professors:  Dr. Jennifer Suh and Dr. Padmanabhan Seshaiyer
  • Graduate Research Assistant (June 2010 - July 2010).  College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.  Transcribed  qualitative and quantitative data; processed consent forms.
    Professors:  Dr. Margret Hjalmarson and Dr. Toni M. Smith
 PUBLICATIONS:
    • Corcoran, M. (Fall 2012).  AP calculus students as teachers.  Virginia Math Teacher, 39(1), 33-35.
    • *****How do I include that Dr. Maxwell is including some of my coursework in his next edition of Qualitative Research Design: An interactive approach (4th Ed.)?*****
    • *****How do I include that Dr. Bannan is including some of my and my colleagues from EDIT 732/752 coursework in her next book on design based research?*****

 PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS 
  • Lead instructor at ESTEEM Summer Institute, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, July-September  2102
  • AP Calculus Students as Teachers.  Presented at the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) annual conference in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday, 14 November 2011.
  • Presenter at the ESTEEM Conference, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, July 2011

 MILITARY SERVICE 
  • Officer in the United States Navy, March 1977-August 1999.
  • Positions Held:
    • Commanding Officer, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, Washington, DC
    • Executive Officer, Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA
    • Executive Officer, Naval Oceanographic Research Facility, Honolulu, Hawaii
    • Administrative Department Head, Naval Air Station, Adak, Alaska
    • Science Research Officer, Headquarters, US European Command, Stuttgart, Germany
    • Oceanographic Research Officer and Electronics Maintenance Officer, Canadian Forces Oceanographic Research Station, Shelburne, Nova Scotia
    • Oceanographic Research Officer, United States Naval Oceanographic Facility, Brawdy, Wales  
  • Awards received:  Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oakleaf cluster); Meritorious Service Medal; Navy Commendation Medal; and numerous other awards and citations.

 ON THE HORIZON 
  • "Using an Iterative Design Process to Design an Augmented Reality Experience," scheduled for presentation at the Society for Applied Learning Technology (SALT) Conference in Orlando, FL, March 2013. COMPLETED
  • "Development of an Augmented Reality Experience through Design Research," scheduled for presentation at the 2013 AERA Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA in April 2013.  COMPLETED
  • Have been invited to the 2013 AP Calculus reading in Kansas City, MO scheduled for June 2013. COMPLETED
  • Portfolio 3 
  • Presenting at VAIS (Virginia Association of Independent Schools) conference in Richmond, VA on 04 November 2013
  • Presenting at PCTM (Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics) conference in Seven Springs, PA on 08 November 2013

 CURRENT ACTIVITIES 
  • Preparing for Portfolio 3 and trying to narrow down my research focus. 
  • Consolidating my 50+ readings, deciding which ones I will use and which ones may be applicable to work I want to do in the future.
  • Working with my colleagues on our upcoming presentations at the SALT Conference in Orlando, FL COMPLETED
  • Working with my colleagues on our upcoming presentations at AERA Conference in San Francisco, CA COMPLETED
  • Writing an article on the conflict high school students face in balancing quality and depth of learning with the high GPA which college admissions officers expect to see.  (I have encountered several students who prefer to drop a class if they cannot earn an A in it.  I'm wondering when a B+ in AP Calculus became a bad thing.)
  • Preparing the birdhouse gourd garden project in anticipation of conference presentation.  I also intend to write a paper on the project and hope to submit it to a journal in Fall 2013.

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