About+Me,+Miss+C!

=Teaching Philosophy= As a science teacher in Pennsylvania, it is my responsibility to help my students to learn the content outlined in the Pennsylvania State Science Standards so that they can make grow in the academic realm as well as making informed decisions in cultural, civic, and economic affairs outside of the classroom. Making responsible scientific decisions socially and application of scientific knowledge academically will impact our collective and individual futures.

My first goal as a science teacher is to help students become scientifically literate and to develop an appreciation for science as a process. I incorporate culturally relevant science into every lesson and implement inquiry-based lessons. Teaching through inquiry and real world relevance allows student thinking to evolve just as science knowledge is evolving. Inquiry-based teaching allows for a student-centered classroom. Students should drive the learning process. As the teacher, I provide background information and bases for investigations and then monitor and offer support while students seek answers. This gives students a choice in their learning, allows them to think critically, develop problem solving skills, learn to work collaboratively, and value their learning because of personal investment. Most importantly, they recognize that they possess their own tools for learning. They will be scientifically literate because they choose to be.

My second goal is to combat the idea that science is nothing more than cold, abstract facts. Through exploration, experimentation, and collaboration, science is fun!

I set my high expectations for my students. Science is frustrating, fascinating, confusing, and exciting. By learning the nature of science as a human endeavor, students will learn that development of scientific and technological knowledge is a gradual process with the key to success being persistence and hard work. Students do not need to have extraordinary ability to succeed!

=I Love Science!= I graduated from Rosemont College with a Bachelors in Biology and Secondary Education Certification. While at Rosemont, I played tennis and softball. I was a member of the Future Teachers of American, Rosemont Activities Committee, and the Irish Heritage Society. I was also the Vice President of my graduating class, the Class of 2007. I completed my student teaching at Upper Moreland Middle School in 7th grade science. Since then, I have taught at UMMS as a long-term substitute and as the building substitute. In the fall, I coach the girls' tennis team at the middle school and in the spring, I coach JV softball at the high school. Go Bears!

For fun, I enjoy running and any activity that allows me to be outside. I love spending time with my family including my pets. I have a rabbit, maltese, and two [|chinchillas]. I often watch the Discovery and Health channels and will read anything science related that I can get my hands on. Yes, I am a proud Science Geek!

Science Teachers after the the Philadelphia Marathon.