It is time for a new approach to teaching. We can no longer accept the old way of merely teaching and testing. To adequately prepare our students for the 21st century we need to use the latest technology in our classrooms. We need to foster an environment of creativity and risk-taking. To reach this goal we may have to be the disruptive teacher.
I am passionate about providing our children with the best education possible. I feel that quality and dedicated educators are always seeking ways to improve themselves. To be considered professionals we must act in a professional manner, expect the best from ourselves and our students, and always be honing our skills.
I am a strong believer in hands-on and project-based learning used to promote STEM in education. My goal is for my students to research and find answers to questions they may have, rather than wait for me to feed them the information. I want my students to have the freedom to be creative in how they demonstrate and display their work. Students should be excited about their education… their future!
I have taught grades 4 to 7 in Arizona, and currently teach at Children First Academy of Tempe (formerly Thomas J. Pappas Schools for the Homeless). http://cfatempe.org/ Along with teaching I sit on the district Technology Steering Committee, coach an after school robotics club, coach a cardboard boat building team, and take photos of most school events for the yearbook and end of the year video.
I am a member of the Discovery Educator Network (DEN), and a STAR Discovery Educator. I am also a PBS/ASSET Educator. I was one of 80 teachers from across the country chosen to attend the 2009 Discovery Educator Network National Institute in San Francisco, California. I have attended the Honeywell Space Academy and Advanced Space Academy for Educators in Alabama and Florida (2006 and 2008). I am currently taking part in a five year study by Arizona State University and the National Science Foundation to follow science teachers from their first year to their fifth.
