I have been formally teaching for the last 16 years, but I have been educating children for my entire life. Through High School, I was a summer camp counselor teaching children how to swim and basics in biology. Throughout college, I was working my summers at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center giving tours and showcasing the exhibits to various customers. I also spent a summer working at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden NJ doing the same. My teaching career began, on the Jersey shore teaching the gifted and talented program in my school district with a focus on science, but I have also taught Language Arts, Social Studies, Drama, and Art in the district. But, over the last 4 years I have made a new home in a new district teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science in various subjects including my bread-and-butter: Paleontology. In addition, I also volunteer at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia in the Paleo Prep Lab and give tours of Dinosaur Hall during the annual Paleopalooza.
I consider myself a "New School Old School Teacher," in that I believe students should be as hands-on as they possibly can. The true way to learn is by getting actively involved in project-based learning to give students experience, as well as knowledge. However, I also realize that nobody should ever forget the techniques that worked in the past. I firmly believe that students should learn their multiplication tables, spell words correctly, and use books to research information. I don't pull any punches and I expect my students to be at the top of their games when they come into my classroom. Just like life in general, there are times when things will come easy, but there are also times when they will have to work for their successes. My projects and assignments should reflect both of those mindsets.
The Academy of Natural Sciences: Joan Summerfield Award for Excellence in Teaching - Nominated in 2010 and 2011 - Recipient in 2011
Yet to be added
Yet to be added
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, Higher Education, Adult Education, Homeschool, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Measurement, Science, Anatomy, Astronomy, Basic Principles, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environment, Physics, Other (Science), Social Studies, World History, Health, Life Skills, Gifted and Talented, Critical Thinking, Literature, General Science, Physical Science, Writing, Informational Text, Test Preparation