Philosophy
"My goal in life is to make every student feel like they can do science. They don't have to love it as much as I do (though that would be great), but they just need to know that they can do it."
My Philosophy
I spent most of my childhood and early adulthood declaring loudly that I would never be a teacher. I also disliked science. It wasn't until I took a biology course in college that I realized I didn't dislike science, it was just taught poorly for a student like me. Once I was learning it in a different environment, I loved it. I boldly pursued my BS in biology. After earning it, I realized that I now knew how to open the door to science for students like me. So, I decided to become the teacher that I needed when I was in middle school.
Goal
My goal in life is to make each student realize that science is do-able. They don't need to love it such as I do (thought that would be great). I just want them to look at science and know they can conquer it.
I want them to know science is not hard. It may be complex and involved, but it is also do-able.
Beliefs
Humans naturally think like scientists and children doubly so. All they need is someone to encourage their curiosity; someone to point out to them that they're already doing it.
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Students need adults to show them that just because we grow up doesn't mean we stop playing - our toys just get cooler.
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Kids should be treated like people. If we want them to learn to be successful, independent, respectful adults, we need to give them a chance to practice.
Adaptability
We are lucky to be living in a time when education is experiencing a rapid, if forced, upheaval. While it is stressful and has challenges, we should look at this as a unique opportunity to integrate significant changes.
Education for the modern student needs to be as adaptable as they are. Our world is constantly changing; technology is always improving; and our students need to be ready for a fluid world.
Implementation of NGSS, new technology, and personal adaptations/growth is crucial to their futures.
Teaching Style
In my classroom, the learning is driven by the students. I give them scaffolding and resource, but they drive the learning. They work together to discover science. Their work and curiosity make the experience much more rewarding than I could alone.
While we focus on collaboration and hand-on learning, listening and taking notes are skills we all need for life. We also practice dissection of informational text.
Successful education is about balancing important skills with critical learning.
Human Dignity
Each person has inherent value and dignity. No matter their background, they deserve to realize they can do science.
I am constantly working to achieve balance between each students' cultural backgrounds and learning styles.
Part of my pursuit of honoring each student's dignity is sharing of myself with my students showing them where I, myself, struggled as a student, sharing relatable moments, telling them funny/embarrassing personal stories, and showing them how to be comfortable with yourself and your own flaws. Sharing of myself allows them safety in my classroom where they can share of themselves.