My Educational Philosophy

Over my 16 years of teaching,  I have developed a belief that the purpose of education is to develop critical thinkers. I also believe the educational system is responsible for the development of productive citizens who will contribute positively to society. As a teacher, I feel all students have the ability to learn and it is our responsibility as educators to challenge them in the learning process. It is also my belief that demonstrating my passion for learning will help to engage my students in their own education. I feel students are naturally drawn to learning, but as educators, it is our responsibility to make their learning relevant to their daily lives. I also believe in the development of my student’s written and oral communication skills as a primary mode to disseminate their knowledge to others.

A person’s education is a valuable tool used in the pursuit of happiness. The skills we develop in school are transferred to our daily lives by aiding in the management of such things as time and money. The critical thinking skills we develop in school are adapted to serve us in assimilating knowledge from various media sources and in the development of our own worldview based upon that knowledge. The education we receive in school also helps to develop the important skill of communicating our ideas and thoughts to others. This communication allows for the productive growth of society as a whole through the objective thoughts of many educated citizens rather than just a few. 

One of my specific goals as a science teacher is to bridge the gap between scientific research and the knowledge base of my students. In attempting this, I incorporate critical thinking, communication, and citizenship into my classroom. Through the use of inquiry-based and project-based activities, I have my students develop their critical thinking skills. These activities are then used in student-led discussions of scientific principle or ideas. Some of the discussions spawned in the classroom can be expanded to include scientific theory based on current real-world research. These discussions and interactions help to foster the basic skills needed to become productive members of society. The discussions also challenge the nature of some students to dismiss hard-to-grasp concepts and instead direct them to come up with their own original ideas based on research-based information. 

In summary, a person’s education is an invaluable tool in the pursuit of one’s happiness. It is the responsibility of educators and society to prepare our future leaders of tomorrow to become critical thinkers. To do this, I believe educators need to develop the communication skills of our students and challenge them to implement these skills as productive citizens of society. 

Classroom Website information

• Daily Lesson Material and Absent work (ie. notes and work can be found on our Schoology Page
• As an absent student, you will be able to find all notes, lecture handouts and daily lesson objectives can be found on our Schoology within Unit Folders
• Unit Folder will be organized in chronological order.

Late Work & Absent Make-Up Work Policy

• Absent (excused) students have 2 school days to make up assignments after returning to school for full credit.
• an absent student you will be able to find all notes, lecture handouts and daily lesson objectives can be found on our Schoology within Unit Folders
• Unit Folder will be organized in chronological order.
• Students with late work have until the Unit Exam to turn in missing/ late work for 50% credit. After the date for the Unit Exam has passed, students cannot turn in late assignments for credit.
• Assignments graded in class or solutions to assignments discussed in class will not be taken late, since the work cannot be determined to be the student's original work.  

Education History

Bachelor of Science

Biology, Human Biology Emphasis; Chemistry minor from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley 

Masters of Science

Thesis: Biochemical characterization of Snake Venom from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley