Work in pre-service teacher education including the instructional methods in science (all levels)

Returned to the K12 classroom environment in an effort to re-calibrate my understanding of (and ability to navigate) the ins and outs of the position as it had evolved over an 11 year absence as I explored other areas of both K12 and higher education. Coincidentally, this return to the classroom included the sweeping changes to learning and teaching ushered in by the onset of the COVID pandemic. Surviving the seismic changes that the pandemic had on the nature of learning and teaching provided me with a tremendous level of insight in ways to better prepare pre-service teachers for the post-pandemic realities of K12 education.

Coordinator for Project LISTO, a longitudinal elementary science education research study.

I provided personalized services in the area of K-12 science/STEM education to school districts, private and charter schools, and other educational entities. These services included professional development, program design, curriculum development, individual mentoring, etc.

Primary Responsibilities are with the Rice Elementary Model STEM Lab (REMSL)--Manage Leadership Learning experiences for REMSL--Develop and Manage new STEM learning experiences for REMSL--REMSL Data Collection and Analysis--Management of off-site REMSL teaching labs, materials and equipment.--On-Campus Observations and Mentoring of REMSL program participantsOther Responsibilities:--Serve as consultant for secondary science programs within the Office of STEM Engagement--Maintain active research agenda --Assist with program grant writing

I began teaching in the College of Education and Human Development at UTSA on a teaching fellowship as a doctoral student. I taught undergraduate courses in Interdisciplinary Studies and Curriculum and Instruction. The majority of the students taking these courses were working on teacher certification as a component of their degree plan, so all courses were designed to meet the needs of pre-service K-12 teachers. At the completion of the year-long teaching fellowship, I was offered the opportunity to continue as an adjunct lecturer teaching pre-service science education courses. A list of the courses that I taught are listed below and the syllabus for each course is posted below. Courses Taught:Introduction to Learning and Teaching in a Culturally Diverse SocietySociety and Social IssuesDiversity, Equity, and the Social SciencesModels of Teaching in the Content Areas of the Secondary School (Science)Approaches to Teaching Science (Gr. 4-8)Approaches to Teaching Science (Gr. K-5)Investigations in Physical Science

As a part time faculty member, I developed and taught courses in Teaching Elementary Science (EC-5) and Teaching Secondary Science and Math (6-12) that were aligned with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards and incorporated the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).Course Taught:Teaching Science in the Elementary SchoolTeaching Science and Math in the Secondary School

I was responsible for curriculum and instruction concerning science education (K-12). Additional responsibilities included classroom observations and data analysis for the purpose of making C&I decisions that supported student success in science as well as build a science program to prepare students for success in college and the 21st century workforce. Primary Responsibilities:Coordinate district-wide science curriculum and instruction including:--Develop Science Course Scope and Sequence --Develop and analyze all in-district common science assessments--Analysis of student performance on state science assessments--Instructional Observer/Mentor (Instructional Coaching)--Development of science programs and initiatives for the purpose of meeting district goals--Managed acquisition of science instructional resources and materials--Managed professional development for district science teachers--Developed and delivered 200+ hours of district wide science training and workshopsAccomplishments:--Developed successful training program for the implementation of new K-12 state science standards (TEKS) and preparation for transition to new state science assessments (STAAR) in grades 5, 8 and high school science courses.--Improvement of student performance on state science assessments for each year in the position including the changes in state standards and the implementation of more rigorous state exams.--Increase in the number of students taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and other advanced science courses for each year in the position

Serve as a provider of physics professional development for the centerPerformed in conjunction with my duties as an Instructional Team Member (ITM) representing the center in the Texas Regional Collaborative

Provided professional development and guidance in science instruction to 12 educators who were part of my cadre of teachers.

Taught all levels of high school physics, including Advanced Placement Physics and International Baccalaureate Physics. Also coached boys and girls Varsity/Junior Varsity Golf Teams.

Taught Pre-AP Biology and Integrated Physics and Chemistry. Also served as assistant cross-country coach.