About the Teacher

WELCOME COMETS to the Science Lab!

My name is Miss Woody, but I’m not a stranger! I’ve been teaching at Creekside for 10 years!

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor's of Science in Archaeology. Afterward, I worked for The Junior Statesmen Foundation, a nonprofit, non-partisan political organization that is run by high school students, which adults facilitate. While with the organization, I worked with the Southern California region out of San Mateo, Ca., as well as with students at Georgetown, Princeton, Yale, Northwestern and Stanford in summer programs examining political issues.

After that, I received my California Teaching Credential from California State University, East Bay. Since, I have taught 5th grade and 1st grade for four years in Richmond, Ca, and eight years at Creekside as a fifth grade at Creekside and later, earned the privilege of guiding our school into transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards. All 12 years, I learned so much and am excited every day to teach and learn from each and every fascinating child that crosses my path.

In the summer of 2010, I was introduced to a program called National Board Certification. This is similar to a second Master's Degree. This is a nationally and internationally recognized certification. In the program, teachers meet rigorous standards, where we submit teaching videos and reflections, detail collaboration and analyses with the community, parents, and colleagues, and take a series of exams to achieve the status as a National Board Certified Teacher. I achieved my certification in 2011 and am re-certifying again by collaborating with educators at Stanford University this school year.

Additionally, during the 2015-2017 school years, I worked with Columbia Teachers College in New York City and NASA to obtain a STEM leadership certification. I learned about instructing other educators in the Next Generation Science Standards, using authentic data obtained by NASA's satellites to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Personally, my son, Felix is beginning Kindergarten this school year and I am terrified to try distance learning with a Kindergartener this year as a single mom. As we enter the terrific, fives, I find that my time as a teacher has allowed me to accumulate the amazing patience a mom needs at this point in life and I know it is something that we will all need throughout the next few months and beyond!

We are going to have a fabulous time this year and I have tons of hands-on activities to try out, even while remote!

A note on materials: Please know that we have worked very hard to provide you with a starter-kit of materials. We will be utilizing them during our lessons and it is important that you think of them as tools. If, for any reason, that you run out of anything or we missed something for a lesson, please reach out and I will do my best provide what you may need, with the caveat that I have very little left in my lab. I will try to list what should be gathered on my website a few days before we have a lesson so that your child is ready.

Finally, I am a huge advocate for reusing materials as it helps save the planet, so once you have used anything, please wash and dry it and place it in a container that can be used for future students. I will give you instructions on how to return it in future communications.

I heard someone say in a training recently that we should think about things in terms of the OC (not the tv show…). OPTIMISM and COMMUNICATION. Please know that we are all doing our best and we will continue to grow and get better at distance learning. Also, know that I am available as much as possible-whether I need to help by delivering materials to your home or just having a short check in to make sure that you and your family are safe, happy, and CURIOUS!

Warmly,

Miss Woody

Creekside Staff Survey

Birthday: June 28

Places to shop for yourself: Nordstrom, I love cooking-so anywhere like that!, Target and Safeway (My son eats me out of house and home!)

Places to shop for your classroom: Visa gift cards because I go to tons and tons of off-the-wall spots

Type of Movies: Felix and I love all types of movies, but love The Lot the best because we can go play before and afterward!

Type of Music: Everything! I love Zumba, Sh'bam and uJam so take that as your guide!

Authors/Genres: Howard Zinn, Trevor Noah, Ibrahm Kendi, Bettina L. Love

Flower: Stargazer Lily/Tiger lily/All Roses

Season: Summer

Holiday: Grandparent's Day

Way to spend a day off: Going to watch a movie, reading my Kindle next to the pool, spending time with Felix

Indulgences/Treats for yourself: Massages, nice meals

Restaurants for Adults: Esin, Amakara, Walnut Creek Yacht Club (or anything with Oysters!), Revel, Mendicino Farms

Restaurants for the Family: Peasant and the Pear

Restaurant for Lunch: Anything sushi-Caterpillar rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, Anything with scallops, Rainbow rolls

Animal: Whales and Dolphins

Color: Blue

Vacation Spot: Greek Islands

Sport: Soccer

Sports teams: Cal Bears, A's, Raiders

Types of Food: Sushi

Sandwich: Turkey and Avocado on a Croissant with red onions

Cookie/Cake: Chocolate Chip Cookies/Ice Cream Cake-otherwise, I hate cake and didn't even have one (or cupcakes) at my wedding :-p

Hot Drink/Cold Drink: Peet's Nonfat, Sugar Free, Vanilla Latte