Ken the science guy

I have been teaching high school science for 26 years with 24 years in Canada and 2 years in New Mexico. I have also taught music for most of my life (on the side - private, group, choirs) as I am a classically trained pianist. I have held the position of curriculum chair for Special Education and understand the specific programming that certain students require, and have written and developed special education curriculum in Ontario, Canada. I am currently the science curriculum chair at my school.

I focus on the “real world” aspect of education, where students can understand the relevancy of course content and how it applies to their lives. I employ the “lecture-style” type of course delivery, often diverting to examples of concepts (internet illustrations, personal stories, etc) to highlight the concepts being taught to make them more real to students. I feel that some written curriculum is deficient in helping students understand what really matters pertaining to society, technology, and the environment, and I strive to improve on this in any way possible.

I am remembered by students as teaching them what really matters. I’m well-known in my school (not just because I like to “blow things up” in science class) but by being the instructor that makes curriculum applicable to their REAL LIVES and why it matters. Relevancy is key. I believe this gives students the drive to want to ultimately want to learn.

Honours Bachelor of Science, University of Toronto, Canada. Bachelor of Education, University of Toronto. Music diploma (ARCT) piano performer, Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. Seneca College, Industrial Pharmaceutical Laboratory Technology, Toronto. Additional qualifications courses (AQ): ESL, honours specialist in biology, specialist in religion, specialist in Special Education, guidance, junior level.

Good food, love of music performance (classical organ and piano), church organist for 38 years (in the USA and Canada), contract musician for weddings, other social gatherings and church services. I have a sweet spot for animals (I live with many pets) and (of course) riding motorcycles as much as I can!! And, most importantly of all, I strive to gain a deeper understanding of humanity.