Education
- Master of Arts
in Teaching, Tufts University - Shady Hill School, Cambridge,
MA, 1989
- Bachelor of
Arts Degree, Amherst College, Amherst, MA, 1985 Majored in Geology
Background
I
came to Rocky Hill School in 1989 as a first year Middle School
science teacher. Located directly on Narragansett Bay, I couldn't
ask for a better place to teach a hands-on science curriculum.
From horseshoe crabs, salt marshes, oysters, and ospreys, to beach
erosion, salt water wedges, and salinity measurements, the Rocky
Hill School environment has been an ideal place for developing
the Middle School science program, and for exciting an interest
within students to learn about their natural environment. I
have since shifted my teaching focus to mathematics and specifically
am enjoying the challenges of first year Algebra in the 8th grade.
In 1994, my role in the Middle School expanded to that of division
head. Being involved in all aspects of the Middle School experience
gave me a much clearer insight into the role of an educator. Working
with parents, new faculty, committees, division heads, and all
other constituencies of the school community, has turned out to
be an immensely rewarding adventure.
Philosophy
of Middle School Education
Middle
School students are fascinating. Adolescence is an age of transition
in so many ways. Here, the students can give you glimpses of still
being a child, poised to burst into silliness at any moment, but
at the same time, trying on new faces or identities, seeing what
fits or what doesn't. Many are able to think on abstract levels
for the first time, and are ready to be academically challenged
and pushed. At the same time, they are learning social skills,
friendships are critical, and suddenly, they are incredibly aware
of themselves. Trying to teach the strategies for solving multivariable
equations, how to manage their study time at home, or how to catch
a lacrosse ball on their weak side is a challenge, but watching
these students move from "childhood" to "young
adulthood" is wonderful, and part of the excitement of working
in the Middle School.
Interests,
Activities and Plans
Backpacking
and winter camping, kayaking, windsurfing, and woodworking
return to Rocky
Hill Home
updated January 17, 2006 |
