I enjoy working with new teachers, especially with designing and team-teaching engaging inquiry projects and integrated lessons in any field of science. I am passionate about outdoor education and mentoring new teachers with their first forays into the wilds with their students. I’ve been a science teacher, mentor and researcher for many years and I believe that collaboration is key for helping new teachers become successful veterans. However, I am also passionate about giving our kids the best education they can get, and that starts with helping all teachers to become the best teachers they can be.
I am currently a District STEM Education Coordinator for Owatonna Public Schools providing professional development, instructional coaching and curricular support for over 200 teachers grades K-8. In 2010 I earned my PhD in Science education from the University of Minnesota with Dr. Gillian Roehrig, I also have a MST in Biology Teaching from U of MT, BS in Biology/BA in Secondary Education from U of St Thomas. I've taught science from grade 6-Graduate Students at University of Minnesota in all fields, but mostly in Biology. Since 1999 I've primarily taught 10th grade general Biology, 11-12th grade Field Biology and 12th grade only AP Biology. I've been a mentor with our school district since 1999 and I've also participated in student teacher supervision with the University of Minnesota, plus online mentoring with the STEMMP & TIN programs through science education. My dissertation research is on mentoring science teachers, you can read my dissertation if you need something to help you sleep :) (http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/92259)
Over the years of my career I've also earned: MN Teacher of the Year in 2006 semi-finalist , MN Secondary Science Teacher of the Year 2007 awardee, Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Math Teaching finalist in 2008 and Fulbright Memorial Fund Participant to Japan in 2008, studying Japanese Science Education and culture. I've taught in AZ, MT & Minnesota, including the Navajo Reservation Tribal School and Nay Ah Shing Tribal School on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. I've been working with the Owatonna Public Schools since 1995.)
I am currently a District STEM Education Coordinator for Owatonna Public Schools providing professional development, instructional coaching and curricular support for over 200 teachers grades K-8. In 2010 I earned my PhD in Science education from the University of Minnesota with Dr. Gillian Roehrig, I also have a MST in Biology Teaching from U of MT, BS in Biology/BA in Secondary Education from U of St Thomas. I've taught science from grade 6-Graduate Students at University of Minnesota in all fields, but mostly in Biology. Since 1999 I've primarily taught 10th grade general Biology, 11-12th grade Field Biology and 12th grade only AP Biology. I've been a mentor with our school district since 1999 and I've also participated in student teacher supervision with the University of Minnesota, plus online mentoring with the STEMMP & TIN programs through science education. My dissertation research is on mentoring science teachers, you can read my dissertation if you need something to help you sleep :) (http://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/92259)
Over the years of my career I've also earned: MN Teacher of the Year in 2006 semi-finalist , MN Secondary Science Teacher of the Year 2007 awardee, Presidential Award for Excellence in Science & Math Teaching finalist in 2008 and Fulbright Memorial Fund Participant to Japan in 2008, studying Japanese Science Education and culture. I've taught in AZ, MT & Minnesota, including the Navajo Reservation Tribal School and Nay Ah Shing Tribal School on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. I've been working with the Owatonna Public Schools since 1995.)