I have taught for 30 years. Some of the subjects I have taught at the high school level include chemistry, physics, integrated science, biology, US History, and Middle School life and physical science.
I am a big believer in actively engaging the student through hands on activities. I employ a lot of color in note taking, especially when teaching the more difficult concepts like the periodic trends and the molar highway-to name a few. I have taught chemistry more than any other subject so most of my lessons cover chemistry or physical science concepts. I make as many connections as possible to the other sciences and to history. I also include lots of writing in my activities because I think it is imperative for the development of their critical thinking and their communication skills. Over the years I have always sought critical comments from my former students who come back to visit me. I pick their brain about their experience in their college lab classes and how prepared they were when they left my class and entered a college level chemsitry lab. I want my students college and/or career ready. I always seek to improve my craft.
I coach the Academic Decathlon team at my high school. We have won the county competition many times and have qualified to compete at the state level. I have been a master teacher for science for many years.
I have a BA in History with Honors from UC Santa Barbara. I have over 100 additional units in chemistry, math, biology, and physics.I have a single subject teaching credential in Chemistry and Physics.
I love teaching and love to learn. I am constantly revising my lessons in order to make them more effective. I believe in giving my students immediate feedback and I am always figuring out ways to reach students who may have a hard time learning difficult concepts in science. I like to connect the advancements in science to the bigger picture of human history.
7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Math, Applied Math, Graphing, Measurement, Science, Basic Principles, Biology, Chemistry, Environment, Physics, Word Problems, General Science, Physical Science