Social Studies and Gifted Teacher
Salisbury Township School Distirct - Allentown, PA
PAECT 2016 Outstanding Teacher of the Year -- Keynote
Background: I recently completed my 20th year as a teacher for Salisbury High School. Twenty years is a really long time to spend in one place, but I have never remained still. My career has been eventful and I am always very proud of my students as they endure my constant barrage of new ideas and projects. I have taught an array of social studies classes, but my favorites are Advanced Placement U.S. History, Government (with a current events approach), and my new elective Rebels, Robbers, and Rogues. I also teach Honors Gifted Seminar which is a curriculum based in Challenge-Based Learning. These students develop real world projects to try to answer real world problems.
Inspiration: I would by lying if I said my inspiration comes from anyone other than my students. They motivate and challenge me everyday. If I push them one direction, you can bet they are going to try to push back. I have tried to foster this in them by requiring them to ask great questions and constantly think of new approaches. I want my students to be great problem solvers, good collaborators, and excellent at communication and I want them to engage in these behaviors with everyone they encounter in a respectful manner.
Driving Question: How Do You Move Your World Forward? I ask that my students consider this question throughout their lives. I want them to always think of how they can make a difference or add value to the world around them.
Full Version of Rita Pierson's TED Talk