Experience Summary
After graduating from Haverford College with a double major in physics and astronomy, I worked for three years as an astrophysics researcher at NASA and Harvard University. In 2000, I became a teacher and a tutor. Since that time, I have taught children of all ages and adults in a wide variety of subjects. From 2002-2003, I designed and taught my own courses in physics and Calculus at the Academy at Charlemont. From 2004-2006, I completed a two year graduate program in physics education at the University of California, Berkeley. I gathered extensive experience student teaching at urban schools in the Bay Area and participated in two research groups. For my Master's thesis, I developed a curriculum to teach modern physics at the high school level using computer technology and hands-on, inquiry-based laboratory activities. Since the fall of 2006, I have been working in public schools in Boston, successfully narrowing the achievement gap on the physics MCAS. Currently, I am physics teacher and I will be teaching physics and astronomy at in the fall.
Teaching Style
I believe that all children learn best when they experience success. Therefore, I make sure to give all my students opportunities to succeed by asking questions that challenge students to think but are not impossible to answer. My teaching style involves a combination of constructivism and direct instruction. Instead of lecturing, I pose questions, calling on students randomly. When I restate what is correct about a student's answer, my students understand that they have successfully contributed to the learning process. I point out any misconceptions that might arise before they do, so my students avoid making common mistakes. I supplement my lessons with visual representations and videos for visual learners, as well as hands-on, inquiry-based activities for tactile learners. I have extensive experience using technology in the classroom and have designed many interesting laboratory activities in physics.