Rusty Raiders

Twenty years as a classroom teacher and STEM coach.

I believe the inquiry process offers students the opportunity to engage in the learning process not as spectators in the classroom, but as active participants in their learning. I want my students to make discoveries and to not sit around waiting for the teacher to tell them this is something you need to remember for the test. The inquiry process does not tell students about a concept, but instead engages student’s curiosity and service as guide while the students discover the concept for themselves. Done correctly, the inquiry process will turn students into problem solvers that become intrinsically motivated to learn. In my classroom, I want my students to become self-actuating, proactive explorers that never stop asking why.

2010 Regional Air Force Science Teacher of the Year 2011 Chevrolet Green Teacher Award 2011 Disney Planet Challenge Finalist 2013 ING Unsung Hero Award 2015 Teach for the Planet Best National STEM Initiative Program 2016 Tom’s of Maine E-STEM Project National Finalist Eight time winner of the Besser Foundation Educational Grant: with accumulated awarded funding of nearly $10,000 toward classroom projects. Six time winner of the Alpena Power Educational Grant: with accumulated award funding on $3,600 toward projects focused on electricity education. Five time winner of the Community Foundation of Northeastern Michigan: Youth Advisory Council Grant: with accumulated awards of $2,500 towards founding unique educational experiences. DTE Energy Foundation Grant: $250 Rural Energy Grant: $600 Toyota Tapestry Grant. $12,500 Northeastern Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative: $16,000 Square One Educational Network Technology Imitative: $500 Various small grant awards from local businesses including Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Alpena Alcona Area Credit Unions.

Saginaw Valley State University Mary Grove College

Eight year veteran of the US Navy.