Maryland Sea Grant Schools Network News Vol. 3, No. 3, 2000-2001

Vol. 3, No. 3, 2000-2001

Educator
[human eye]

"Up Close"

Ken Baxter

Beall High School
Allegany County

Ken, why aquaculture?
"Aquaculture works in the classroom because it provides kids with a real "hands-on" experience and a chance to perform some science that is long-term and sustaining during the school year. Kids get a chance to gain knowledge at a deeper more satisfying level."

Degree: Master's degree in Administration & Supervision from Frostburg State University; Ryan Science Teaching Credential from California State University, Hayward; Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Iowa.

Experience:: 23 years - started out in California, moved to West Virginia and has spent the last 14 years at Beall HS.

Subjects: Biology in the early years and now more Environmental Science, but also has experience in Chemistry, Physics, Newspaper, Yearbook, and Physical Science.

"Most Memorable" Teaching Experience: Having a student realize the connection between science and math while hiking Monroe Run in a driving rain storm.

Favorite Class Trips: Monroe Run Hike- It's a really cool riparian stream and you cross over it 20 times during the 4.5 mile hike down the mountain. The trail was listed in an issue of Outside Magazine as one of the prettiest in the USA.

Awards and Grants: National Board certified adolescent and Young Adulthood Science, Allegany County Teacher of the Year 2000-2001, Chesapeake Bay Trust grants, and an EPA grant to study acid mine drainage and possible solutions.

Teaching Techniques: "I'd say I use an eclectic approach that changes all the time. I like to read the kids and try things until I connect. I think causing kids to enjoy and be excited about science is paramount if they are to be successful an sustain an interest. My take is that science and math education are in a major crisis and what is needed is sustained money and resources.

Future Plans: I would like to be able to help light the fire that will lead to a semblance of equity in Maryland public schools. I shall continue to work with the local BOE and legislators to that end because I see this as a moral issue that is fundamental to breaking the poverty cycle for so many students.

Educator "Up Close Candidates

Do you know someone that would be a good candidate for the "Up Close" column? If so, send us some information and we would be glad to look it over. Thanks.