As a teacher, my goals are to pass on knowledge and inspire learning. Specifically, as a science teacher I introduce students to a depth of information about the world around them and the process of how to make further discoveries. I ask them to question, experiment and then articulate their observations, thus teaching independent critical listening and thinking skills. I seek a balance in my courses between lecturing to students, seat work and lab efforts. I encourage students to engage with the topic at hand with me and with each other. I suggest that good teaching depends upon an intellectual exchange between all parties involved.
I believe student assessment should compliment my goals. First, the student is expected to master a body of knowledge by demonstrating on exams an understanding of the terms and concepts studied in the course. Second, students are given the opportunity to utilize and deepen their comfort zone with the material in lab assignments that emphasize critical thinking and listening skills acquired from reading, lectures and assignments. While my standards are high, I help the students to meet expectations by being available for questions (in and outside of class), review, and the chance to submit draft papers and revisions for lengthy projects.
I prefer a flexible manner of instruction, responsive to the individual atmosphere of a given class. I am aware that students’ have different experiences, personalities and temperaments and try to develop their strengths while working around and with their weaknesses.
I have a love of learning myself which began with my Catholic School education. I bring a strong educational and career background to draw from while teaching. I have 4 Degrees and 2 Graduate Certificates. My Bachelors is from Penn State in Elementary Education in an era when I was able to get certified through 8th grade. My Masters is in a specialized field of Communication which utilized the Scientific Method throughout. Additionally, I worked in Healthcare for a few years while completing Graduate Courses. Finally, as a prosecutor, I utilized forensic science. I not only had to understand science but use it to create breaks in cases and then explain the science, with examples from the case in court, to win justice for crime victims. I have taught in some manner for almost twenty years, reaching elementary students through college aged and beyond. I recently held the position of middle school science instructor at St. Joan of Arc and was sad to give it up upon our families move to Camp Hill last year. I was thrilled to have the same position open up at Good Shepherd. I have to say Middle School is a favorite of mine and coupled with one of my favorite subjects, I couldn’t be looking forward to a better year.