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About Me:
After receiving my B.S. in Chemistry from Drexel University, I worked in a research and development (as well as customer interfacing position) in the Chemical industry for 7 years. While I loved the hands on work, I know my true passion lies in exciting and teaching others not only the subject of chemistry, but skills and mindsets that can positively impact their futures. This lead me to complete the teacher certification process through the Professional and Secondary Education graduate program at East Stroudsburg University. While there I was the Graduate Research Assistant of ESU's Creative Media Factory Team. As part of this multifaceted team, I explored the enhancement of education towards STEM career readiness through the utilization of Esports' engaging and culturally relevant environments.
I previously taught CP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Forensic Science, and Physical Science at Columbia Borough School District's high school campus. I am currently a part of the Science Department at The Agnes Irwin School, where I teach Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry II: Advanced Topics, and Chemistry II: Organic Chemistry.
More often than not, teachers are raising the future generation as they spend the majority of the day for at least three quarters of the year with their students. How we interact, set examples, and foster their positive qualities and interests, is essential for their success (professional and personal) once they leave school. The three most important skills I aim to teach my students are:
How to question and critically analyze based
How to find passion for learning by understanding their learning style with a Growth Mindset
How to communicate respectfully, confidently, and effectively
Outside of academics, I enjoy sports including volleyball, tennis, and rock climbing as well as traveling to experience other geographical and cultural climates.
Instruction
Instruction
My goal as a teacher is not simply to get my students to pass standardized tests. I want to teach them how to engage and learn in a scientific manner that excites and motivates them to value their education.
Some of the specific instructional strategies I utilize are Mini Research Projects, Jigsaw, Think Partners, and Reflective Journaling.
The subject of Chemistry may not be essential to every student's future, but each student can benefit in the long run if they walk away with techniques to enhance their learning, communication and confidence.
Planning & Preparation
Planning & Preparation
My class plans utilize the PA state standards as well as New Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to craft a well rounded curriculum focused on content and transferable application of knowledge.
With extensive experience in industry and research positions, I regularly incorporate practical applications of the class material into lessons.
Outside of content mastery, I'm personally invested in learning about Growth Mindset and incorporating it into my class and lessons to help shift student's away from a fixed mindset. For more information, see the Growth Mindset Resources section.
Classroom Environment
Classroom Environment
I believe core values including respect, honesty and understanding should always be present in the classroom. These values shape my class rules and standards of practice, implemented to ensure class time is utilized efficiently and effectively.
I utilize the physical classroom to develop as collaborative a space as possible. Examples of how to do this is positioning of seats in pods for group work and ensuring seat/group changes throughout the year. This will increase students confidence in working with others as well as build their skills on how to collaborate with various personalities.
Resources and Tools
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