In general, what do you hope to get out of this grant program?
In general, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of civics education through this grant program. I aim to enhance our school curriculum and resources related to the Bill of Rights and its significance in protecting individual rights and state prerogatives. Additionally, I seek to foster greater engagement among students regarding their civic responsibilities and the importance of understanding their rights as citizens.
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What are you most proud of in your professional life so far?
Being a life long learner.
What are your greatest strengths and your biggest weaknesses as an educator?
My greatest strengths as an educator include my ability to build strong relationships with students and my deep understanding of my content area. With more than two decades of experience studying life sciences, I hold a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Plant Biotechnology. Each summer, I participate in Research Education for Teachers programs to further broaden my knowledge of my core subject area. I am committed to introducing new challenges into the science curriculum to engage and inspire my students.
On the other hand, my biggest weakness as a new teacher lies in classroom management. Today’s students are navigating a complex era, with some having missed vital years of classroom instruction. Each class session requires an individualized management plan, especially in middle school, where the adolescent years present unique challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of being an educator, I am a farmer and a gardener. I find joy in working with nature, tending to plants and caring for animals.
There’s no commute to work; in fact, I can even work from home without leaving the house. I enjoy operating large equipment like tractors and combines, which adds an element of fun to my day.Working outdoors and engaging in physical labor helps keep me in shape. Most of my work takes place under the open sky, surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature. This lifestyle is a refreshing change from a typical classroom job.
Resources
Lesson Plan: Boston Tea Party 7.5.5.HS
Identify and analyze the current political borders using maps, explain the economic, political, and social inequalities present in North American societies
Storyboard: South Carolina, Revolution, Identity and Constitution 8.2CE
Demonstrate an understanding of how South Carolinians and Americans created a revolutionary form of government during the period of 1757-1815. For this lesson we will focus on the years (1756-1776).