Model Teachers:
High School Science

Content: Biology
School: Denbigh High
Years Taught: 6

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
I am passionate about supporting fellow teachers because, as Denbigh High School’s motto for the 2022-2023 school year states, we are Stronger Together. I come from a military background and teamwork, teamwork, teamwork, was instilled in me throughout AFROTC, my various Professional Military Education courses, and in my career as an Air Force officer. This motto holds true not only in the military, but also in the education field. If one fails, then we all fail! If one succeeds, then we all succeed! It doesn’t matter who gets the credit.

I have lived a lifetime of service before self and believe we were placed here to help each other. Anything I can do to support/contribute to others reaching their goals is what life is all about. This is why supporting fellow teachers, especially new teachers, is important to me. President Truman said it best when he said, “It’s amazing how much you [we] can accomplish if you [we] do not care who gets the credit.”

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
It’s humbling to reflect upon words that describe me as a teacher. I know my abilities and capabilities in the classroom, but it always feels less boastful when others use positive and caring words to convey the impact I have on my students.  After thinking about the prompt, I chose the word MOTIVATING! OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com defines “motivating” as “to make somebody want to do something, especially something that involves hard work.”

This word is certainly not unique to me, but it tells the story, in one simple word, of the relationship I have with my students. I’m blessed with the ability to relate to my students in ways that let them know I care and want what is best for them. This, alone, is often enough to motivate them to do what is required.

Content: Chemistry
School: Menchville High
Years Taught: 13

Why are you passionate about supporting fellow teachers?
This job is hard enough. I really don't think I have everything figured out, but, after 13 years, if I can help you avoid a mistake, I will.

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Chemistry is an intersection of science and math. We can't always be doing a lab, so a sizable amount of class time is me teaching and the kids doing practice problems. Notes are broken up by examples, practice, and released SOL items.

Content: High School Earth Science
School: Achievable Dream Middle & High
Years Taught: 4

What do you love most about teaching?
There is a phenomenon that occurs when a student learns something new or when a concept they have been struggling with finally clicks. Their whole face lights up and you can see the pride and accomplishment in their eyes. I call it the "lightbulb effect," and it is the very best thing about teaching. Even better is when they learn something about themselves in the process; those are the bulbs that glow the brightest.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
"Empathy" is my keystone word and what shapes my teaching. I strive to be an empathetic teacher. I give my students a supply list, but always make sure to have extras of everything in my class, just in case. I have a well-known position that I will not let a lack of materials get in the way of a student learning. Whether it is a pencil or a stick of deodorant, it can be found somewhere in my classroom. We establish a set of boundaries around what and when my students can access these things early in the school year so they can be comfortable in the knowledge that their needs will be met. Empathy is also why I post backup copies of assignments and reference materials on Canvas in case a student needs access to it later.

Content: AP Biology
School: Menchville High
Years Taught: 16

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
My classroom is very hands on and centered on collaborative group work. Students are processing information, figuring out problems, and thinking together. Whiteboards, chalk markers, hot glue & pipe cleaners... whatever it takes to help students wrap their heads around complex, abstract concepts. Each day looks different, but the vibe is positive, fun, and students are comfortable with not always knowing the answers.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
I am a big picture thinker and want students to always understand “why.” We may separate learning into Units, but the content I am teaching connects as a whole. My goal every day is to encourage students to be curious, ask questions, and discover together.

Content: Biology
School: Warwick High
Years Taught: 4

What is the best way to describe your classroom on a typical day?
Close! My room is physically small, especially for a science room, but most of my classes develop their own personality and culture as a group. I think my students generally feel more a part of the class in my room than they might in their other classes.

What word best describes you as a teacher and why?
Energetic. My students say they like my teaching because I seem like I enjoy my job and the topics I teach them about.