I have been teaching for 17 years. I completed my student teaching in Biology and Human Physiology/Anatomy at Lane Tech and immediately began teaching Environmental Science and Biology at Orr Academy. After teaching at Orr Academy for 2 years, I moved to Lane Tech and taught Chemistry, regular Biology and Honors Biology. Currently, I teach Honors Genetics and AP Biology. I feel honored and lucky to work with such amazing students and be part of a school with such history and dedication to the future success of our young people. I am originally from a suburb of Chicago. I enjoy snowboarding, scuba diving, tennis, traveling, reading and science (of course)! I have traveled extensively throughout the world and have been to 39 different countries on six different continents. My favorite country that I have been to is South Africa! I received a Bachelor in Science from the University of Oregon and majored in Biology with a Chemistry minor. I then obtained a Masters in Teaching Secondary Education from National Louis University. Later, I completed and received my Master's Teaching Certificate and am proud to be a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT).
Something unusual about me: Prior to switching careers, I use to be a marine biologist and I worked on Whale Watching boats in Massachusetts as a Research Scientist & Naturalist. I also worked on commercial fishing vessels for The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is a federal agency focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere. Lastly, I am from a HUGE family. I am the oldest of 5 sisters and we are all 1 year apart! I also have a son named Parker, a daughter named Charlotte and a son named Chase.
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe it is important for students to be able to connect personal experiences with lessons taught in school. I consider growth, through the rebuilding of these experiences, to be the essence of education. The progress of a student should be the main focus of education and should center on areas that allow students opportunities to experience the curriculum through hands-on projects, presentations, critical thinking, and problem solving. This environment will encourage the student's creativity, individuality and the ability to make rational decisions for themselves throughout their lives. School should also promote group thinking that fosters cooperation. With the guidance and help of the teacher, this cooperative education will help students learn to respect all forms of thinking and will aid in the development of their own thinking. My role as a teacher is to help students form perceptive and intuitive explanations or ideas to problems encountered in science. I guide and advise students throughout the learning process by leading them in analytical discussions concerning past, present and future problems or events. These discussions will allow each student to critically think about problems and how they relate to themselves and society. Since learning is a process, education should concentrate on how to learn as well as what to learn. Therefore, individuals should be assessed using traditional methods as well as authentic, informal methods. I also believe students should explore a broad range of knowledge in school to help develop their intelligence and allow for a continuous desire to learn throughout their lives.
If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win, but think you can't, it's almost a cinch you won't. If you think you'll lose, you've lost. For out in the world we find, success begins with a person's will. It's all in the state of mind. If you think you're outclassed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you ever win the prize. Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man (or woman). But sooner or later, the one who wins is the one who thinks they can.