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Years teaching at Spalding: 4
Currently teaching: 11th–12th grade AP Environmental Science and IB Environmental Systems and Societies
Proudest teaching moment: “I love that my students go on vacation and send me photos of the hydroponics system at Disney World, of wind turbines in California, of backyard soil tests performed over spring break. I love reading their reflections about the habits they’ve changed once they realize their personal impact on Earth. I love that students who have graduated take time to email me when a college professor references Rachel Carson or the layers of the atmosphere or closed loop recycling and they realize how much knowledge about their world they took with them when they left our class.”
Teaching philosophy: “You have to get your hands in the dirt. Or in the water. Or on the globe. Learning, especially in the subject of environmental science, happens best when students gain context through experience.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “We have the privilege—and challenge—of spending more time with our students than they are able to spend with their families during the week. In order to provide the compassion, support, and calming presence our students need and deserve from us, educators must remember to take time in our own lives to find peace.”
Back to What's Up? Teachers 2017
Archbishop Spalding High School, Severn
Years teaching at Spalding: 4
Currently teaching: 11th–12th grade AP Environmental Science and IB Environmental Systems and Societies
Proudest teaching moment: “I love that my students go on vacation and send me photos of the hydroponics system at Disney World, of wind turbines in California, of backyard soil tests performed over spring break. I love reading their reflections about the habits they’ve changed once they realize their personal impact on Earth. I love that students who have graduated take time to email me when a college professor references Rachel Carson or the layers of the atmosphere or closed loop recycling and they realize how much knowledge about their world they took with them when they left our class.”
Teaching philosophy: “You have to get your hands in the dirt. Or in the water. Or on the globe. Learning, especially in the subject of environmental science, happens best when students gain context through experience.”
Toughest challenge facing educators: “We have the privilege—and challenge—of spending more time with our students than they are able to spend with their families during the week. In order to provide the compassion, support, and calming presence our students need and deserve from us, educators must remember to take time in our own lives to find peace.”
