Educator "Up Close"

Dawn Turney St. Mary's of the Mills School Washington, DC

Degree: BA in Geography from University of Delaware. Some graduate work in Education and Natural Science fields, USDA Graduate School and Gallaudet University. Ongoing continuing education professional development classes in education, including Project Wet, Project Wild, and Project Learning Tree.

Experience: After college I started teaching outdoor and environmental education classes for several nature centers and state parks. I then moved on and began writing curriculum and coordinating education programs for World Wildlife Fund and Audubon Naturalist Society. After a few years I decided that I liked teaching better than coordinating so I applied to St. Marys. They had an opening in the Language Arts department and after filling in as a long term substitute, they hired me full time. The following year I began teaching science full-time and have enjoyed teaching for the past three years.

Subjects: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Life, Earth, and Physical Science.

"Most Memorable" Teaching Experience: 09-11-01

Favorite Class Trip: Every year the middle school teachers and some parents brave together and take the 7th and 8th graders on a three day, two night cabin camping trip. I know it sounds like we are crazy but it is actually fun! The teachers and students get a chance to challenge themselves on low and high ropes courses, participate in teambuilding activities, canoe, perform skits, and more. It is a chance for the teachers to get to know the students better, and a chance for the students to see a different side of their teachers. It's exhausting, but it is a true bonding experience for everyone.

Awards and Grants: Delaware Valley Geographical Association's Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement; Awarded scholarship for semester abroad in Costa Rica; Graduated Cum Laude.

Teaching Techniques: I try to do a lot of hands on activities, games and body movement lessons. It's the best when they don't even realize just how much they have learned until they have an "ah-hah! moment" during the wrap up. I try to help them see why the things they are learning are important in the "real world", not only in science class. I try to make them laugh and I'm not afraid to laugh at myself. I love for them to teach me something new each day and always challenge them to do so. Most of all I listen to them and remember that each student is an individual person, not only a body in my classroom.

Future Plans: I plan to continue teaching science while earning my Masters degree in Education. The Sea Grant fellowship program allowed me to gain hands on experience with scientists working on issues related to the Chesapeake Bay and was one of the most valuable educational experiences that I have had during my teaching career. It renewed my enthusiasm for teaching critical issues such as water quality and the fragility of our ecosystems as well as increased my knowledge of the scientific process. In the future I would like to be involved in other programs such as this where I can continue to grow both as a person and as an educator.

Educator "Up Close Candidates

http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/Extension/msgsnn/msgsnn06_1/educator.html