Professional Overview
Seasoned and Diverse Teacher – I am well experienced and trained in pedagogical and andragogical settings. I have taught seven distinct grades levels and adult learners in over a course of decade. My strengths lie in science, technology and photography.
Master’s Degree in Science Education – My education led me to a strong inquiry-based teaching style that has helped equip my students, with the tools they are going to need to face the challenges that are ahead of them.
Ph.D. Graduate School Experience – I am currently in the process of earning my Ph.D. in Instructional Technology at Ohio University. I anticipate the completion of the program in the summer of 2018.
Technologically Proficient – I embrace technology to capitalize on my strengths and the strengths of my students, so that they will gain academic proficiency.
Work Experience
Fairfield Christian Academy, Lancaster, Ohio – August 2000 to Present
- Science Department Head; organizes and leads weekly meetings
- Developing a makerspace curriculum
- Developing a coding and computers application class
- Construct online video tutorials to be used as a teaching tool to aid instruction
- Reviewed and revised the school’s science curriculum to meet state standards
- Installed and applied Moodle, a virtual learning environment, like Blackboard, as an extension of my classroom
- Develop and maintain my classroom’s website where students access classroom material and pictures taken by myself and the yearbook staff
- Developed a photography curriculum
- Created and maintained the Fairfield Christian Academy’s main website
- Performed public relation photography work for our school’s relationship to the community
Classroom teacher in multiple grades and subjects:
Subject or Area Instructed | Years | Subject or Area | Years |
Seventh grade general science | 2 | Chemistry and Laboratory | 18 |
Eighth grade general science | 3 | Physics and Laboratory | 17 |
Ninth grade general science | 3 | Yearbook Advisor | 5 |
Biology | 6 | Computer Instructor | 3 |
Science Fair Coordinator | 18 | Track Coach | 2 |
Middle School Makerspace | 2 | Coding Class | 1 |
Ohio University – Lancaster, “Technology Applications in Education” – 2014 to present
- Required course for all teachers seeking Ohio licensure
- Using TPCK theoretical framework (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) the students of this class identify, locate, evaluate, design, prepare and efficiently use educational technology as an instructional resource.
- The class is designed to meet the requirements of the International Society for Technology in Education NETS Standards for Teachers
- Instructed a hybrid and brick and mortar sections of this course
Ohio University – Lancaster, “Teaching Middle Level Science” – 2012 to present
- Emphasis on concepts and inquiry processes for middle childhood students.
- Topics include scientific literacy; applied constructivist learning theory; multicultural, gender, and exceptional learner equity practices; authentic assessment of the middle-level learner; safety and classroom management; uses of curriculum supplements and multimedia resources; effective questioning skills; and selection of appropriate uses of texts and demonstration.
Ohio University – Lancaster – Summers 2010 and 2011
- “Kids in College”
- Created and instructed an inquiry class for grades four through six
Capital University – Fall 2007 and Spring 2008
- Physics 115 – Integrated Science by Inquiry
- Taught content to elementary and middle school education majors by inquiry methods
Photography Business – July 2003 to Present
- Photograph senior portraits, families, event photography and weddings
- Actively use Adobe Photoshop and graphic’s tablet for standard and advanced photo editing
South Eastern Business College, Lancaster, Ohio – Winter Quarter 2001
- Instructed a course teaching Microsoft Excel
Harvest Preparatory School, Columbus, Ohio – August 1997 to June 2000
- Fifth grade teacher in a self-contained classroom
- Elementary science fair coordinator 1998 – 2000
Education
Instructional Technology (Ph.D. work in progress)
Ohio University – Anticipated completion date in the summer of 2016
Master of Education in Science
Clarion University of Pennsylvania – 1997
Bachelor of Science in Education
Clarion University of Pennsylvania – 1996
- Secondary Education of General Science
- Secondary Education of Earth and Space
Presentations
- Playful Learning Conference, “Gamifying a Self-directed Technology Classroom,” Athens, Ohio – 2015
- Playful Learning Conference, “Learning How to Playfully Learn,” Athens, Ohio – 2015
- “#THINKfoward” Conference, “Learning How to Playfully Learn,” Toronto, Ca – 2015
- eTech Conference, “Learning How to Playfully Learn,” Columbus, Ohio – 2014
- C.S.I. Conference, “Inquiry Made Easier,” Columbus, Ohio – 2007
- Flinn Scientific, “Morning of Chemistry,” Atlanta, Georgia – 2004
Awards and Acknowledgments
- Developed a Class, “Advanced Technology in Education,” STEM Class that utilizes the latest technology – http://1drv.ms/1DholHT – 2014
- The Ohio Academy of Science Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM Education – http://1drv.ms/1G64IBN – 2014
Recent Professional Development Activities
eTech Conference, Columbus, Ohio – 2009-2014
- Multiple workshops were attended
National Science Teachers Association Convention, Cincinnati, Ohio – 2008
- Multiple workshops were attended
Vernier Evaluation Workshop, Columbus, Ohio – 2006
- Vernier sponsored event that allows a teacher to sample their equipment through self-directed labs
“Write Track” In-service, Lancaster, Ohio – 2006
- Event led by Dr. Diane McCune conveyed strategies to help integrated writing more effectively into the classroom
National Science Teachers Association Convention, Nashville, Tennessee – 2005
- Multiple workshops were attended
Senior Portrait Photography Workshop, Columbus, Ohio – 2005
- Demonstrated ways that one can improve senior portrait revenue through keeping track of trends and better advertising
Yearbook Workshop, Columbus, Ohio – 2005
- Trained yearbook advisors to better integrate digital photography, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe PageMaker into the classroom
Pathwise Mentor Level Training, Lancaster, Ohio – 2004
- Participants are introduced to the domains and criteria of Pathwise/Praxis and practice the observation framework via video taped simulations
National Science Teachers Association Convention, Atlanta, Georgia – 2004
- Presented for Flinn Scientific, “Morning of Chemistry”
- Multiple workshops were attended
“Effective Teaching Lab” Summer Training Workshop – 2004
- Instruction of effective teaching methods including lesson planning, application of assertive discipline, and guided practice in the presentation of lesson plans
Flinn Scientific’s “Summer Chemistry Workshop”, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 2003
- Weeklong event that established lab activities and demonstrations applicable to the chemistry classroom
Actively read the following journals:
- Journal of College Science Teaching
- The Science Teacher