Students deserve equitable access to a quality science education
I have been teaching high school science since 2004. My graduate work was in Entomology with specialization in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior at Michigan State University; I also have an MA in Secondary Education from the University of Michigan. I grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and my personal interests as well as my science identity stem from playing outside and interacting with my environment. Many students are missing important formative opportunities when they don't have access to natural environments to explore; experiential and place-based learning can provide that access and help develop students' science identities and interests. Additionally, exploring their place develops awareness of real issues that are relevant to their lives and student-led projects that address these issues allow students to appreciate the impact environmental stewardship can make in their world.
While I strongly believe that adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) has elevated the standards for all students, and will serve to increase the diversity of students entering science and engineering fields; the standards can only act as a driver for equity if the teachers, schools, and districts follow through with implementation. I actively seek learning opportunities and professional development to ensure I’m positioned to help teachers become confident and skilled at helping students make sense of the world around them using science practices. My work as an NGSX facilitator and Next Generation Science Storylines consultant allows me to work together with teachers so more students will get access to high-quality opportunities to engage in significant science and engineering learning. In addition, my role as a member of Achieve Inc.'s Peer Review Panel for Science gives me the opportunity to be part of an amazing group of educators working together to help ensure that all teachers have access to clearly identified, high quality NGSS-designed materials.
While I strongly believe that adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) has elevated the standards for all students, and will serve to increase the diversity of students entering science and engineering fields; the standards can only act as a driver for equity if the teachers, schools, and districts follow through with implementation. I actively seek learning opportunities and professional development to ensure I’m positioned to help teachers become confident and skilled at helping students make sense of the world around them using science practices. My work as an NGSX facilitator and Next Generation Science Storylines consultant allows me to work together with teachers so more students will get access to high-quality opportunities to engage in significant science and engineering learning. In addition, my role as a member of Achieve Inc.'s Peer Review Panel for Science gives me the opportunity to be part of an amazing group of educators working together to help ensure that all teachers have access to clearly identified, high quality NGSS-designed materials.