My philosophy about teaching has always been about engaging students in the learning process. By taking the material we learn in the classroom, and applying it to real world situations, students cultivate essential critical thinking skills they don’t develop by simply sitting in a classroom.
As a STEM ambassador, I always find a way to integrate technology, engineering and math throughout the science curriculum I teach. I acquired these skills through my participation in professional development such as the Siemens STEM Institute, the NASA Endeavor Fellowship Program, NOAA Climate Stewards, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. All of my courses involve components that help students progress through the curriculum at their own pace. For example, utilizing project based learning techniques enables my students to access the curriculum in a way that works best for their learning style. I differentiate for all learning levels and make sure my classroom is an inclusive and equitable learning environment. I am a firm believer in service learning. If students can take the knowledge they acquire in the classroom, and use it to make their school, community, or planet a better place, then they have taken a big step towards becoming an industrious member of our society. Students that participate in service learning take more ownership of the material they have learned and are more willing to share their knowledge with others. It’s amazing to sit back and watch these young adults transform from a student into a mentor! My students deserve the best, so I am constantly challenging myself to learn new information, analyzing student data, and adapting my curriculum to meet individual student needs. In summary, I believe that every student should be able to experience the exhilaration of science and understand how it impacts every aspect of our lives. I have found the best way to do this is through an inquiry driven, project based learning environment that is infused with student choice. |
|