CHEM by Gloria

I have taught for 30 years. Some of the subjects I have taught at the high school level include chemistry, physics, integrated science, biology, US History, and Middle School life and physical science.

I am a big believer in actively engaging the student through hands on activities. I employ a lot of color in note taking, especially when teaching the more difficult concepts like the periodic trends and the molar highway-to name a few. I have taught chemistry more than any other subject so most of my lessons cover chemistry or physical science concepts. I make as many connections as possible to the other sciences and to history. I also include lots of writing in my activities because I think it is imperative for the development of their critical thinking and their communication skills. Over the years I have always sought critical comments from my former students who come back to visit me. I pick their brain about their experience in their college lab classes and how prepared they were when they left my class and entered a college level chemsitry lab. I want my students college and/or career ready. I always seek to improve my craft.

I coach the Academic Decathlon team at my high school. We have won the county competition many times and have qualified to compete at the state level. I have been a master teacher for science for many years.

I have a BA in History with Honors from UC Santa Barbara. I have over 100 additional units in chemistry, math, biology, and physics.I have a single subject teaching credential in Chemistry and Physics.

I love teaching and love to learn. I am constantly revising my lessons in order to make them more effective. I believe in giving my students immediate feedback and I am always figuring out ways to reach students who may have a hard time learning difficult concepts in science. I like to connect the advancements in science to the bigger picture of human history.