Participation Nation

Teaching at college level in biology labs and classrooms. Many volunteer programs which ranged from intervention to support for gifted students (K-12). Currently: 1) Volunteer in Middle School Classrooms 2) substitute teach when needed at my school 3) Run Peer Tutoring Program in science and math afterschool

Ideally: Experiental/Hands On, Problem Based, & Critical Thinking Actually: I do my best to help students learn from material with excessive emphasis on rote learning (mandated by our state and district) and take advantage of the Problem Based Learning opportunities which our school affords. Emphasis: Curiosity & Personal Responsibility.

Yet to be added

I come from a family of Public School Educators Undergraduate Degree: Biology with emphasis in ecology & evolution Minor in English Graduate Degree: In Zoology with a focus on Animal Behavior

My journey to TPT is an unusual one. I have a graduate degree in biology and have taught at the college level. I also have a lot of non-academic life experience including construction, web design, k-12 education, natural history, homeschooling, and a fascination with learning. Currently I volunteer in a middle school 3-5 days a week which partially uses a Project Based Learning curriculum. I function as a general teachers aide but also help with teaching strategies, classroom management and curriculum development. The curriculum development started with my interactions with students and my perceptions of what would best motivate and help them understand content. I found numerous gaps where our materials didn't have appropriate tools for the job, didn't challenge bright students, or left struggling students behind. I create curriculum with the goal of filling the holes/gaps I see and motivating students to be active learners.