Maryland Sea Grant Schools Network News Vol. 3, No. 2, 2000-200`

Vol. 3, No. 2, 2000-2001

Aquaculture setup designed and built by Marene

Educator
[human eye]

"Up Close"

Margaret Paul

Towson High School
Baltimore County

Degree: Master's degree in Clinical Pathology from University of Maryland; Education Certification from Towson State University.

Experience: 2 years teaching labs to medical students, 6 years in middle school, 3 years in high school.

Subjects: Pathology, 7-8th grade science, Biology, Environmental Science (regular & AP), Chesapeake Bay, Field Biology, Animal Behavior, Earth Science.

"Most Memorable" Teaching Experience: "I had 7th grade students on a 3 day trip to Smith Island and during the stay there both boys and girls got into the 'style' of life there. At one point they were skipping through the paths singing Christmas carols. At the close of the trip a group of students came over to 'talk' and told me that they had never felt SAFE anywhere before - but here they felt very safe. It broke my heart to have them say they had never felt safe before ... what a sad feeling to have. What a great trip it was for them though!"

Favorite Class Trip: Smith Island even though it takes 3 days of 24 hour monitoring from the teachers involved.

Awards and Grants: Numerous grants from the Chesapeake Bay Trust (at least one a year for the past 6 years); Who's Who in America's Teachers 1999-2000.

Teaching Techniques: 20-minute episodes of different types of activities; hands-on labs or projects; pre-reading/reading opportunities; field work. "Presently my students are doing a stream restoration and using information from the Izaak Walton League. They are doing some awesome projects other than just 'clean-up'.

Marene and her students are raising striped bass in their aquaculture system this year. However, they have had to hide the "food supply" from other faculty and staff who enjoy feeding the fish after hours.

Future Plans: "I enjoy my classroom and the students.. and I want to keep it that way. The only slight addition I might make would be to try teaching at a community college or local college for a course or two to see it that proves to be as rewarding as high school. High school is my preference and the changes are phenomenal! My plans are to continue where I am and enjoy the enthusiasm of my students."