Educator "Up Close"

John Spinicchia Great Mills High School St. Mary's County

Degree: A.A., College of Southern Maryland; B.A. (Biology), St. Mary's College of Maryland. Lifelong learner in the life sciences.

Experience: Only two years of formal teaching. Other teaching experiences include work as chef and restaurateur; research assistant on the St. Mary's River Project (1 year); and DNR biologist.

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

"Most Memorable" Teaching Experience: During my first formal observation by the principal and science supervisor as a 1st year teacher, full of worry and self doubt, my students successfully answered very challenging questions and synthesized class material into coherent answers in a Q&A session at the beginning of class. It was then I first thought, WOW, I taught these kids, and I can do this.

Favorite Class Trip: On a more humorous note, I helped another environmental education instructor on a field trip to Piney Point Environmental Education center in Southern Maryland. After convincing several reticent young ladies to take a canoe ride together, they capsized their canoe on their very first oar stroke. The other environmental ed teacher was mortified, ran through the water to help them, and fell flat on his face. They were only in 4 inches of water. I almost wet myself, it was so funny.

Awards and Grants: Chesapeake Research Fellowship 2004; Phi Theta Kappa, CSM; worked as prime researcher on Corps of Engineers oyster reef feasibility study, Summer/Fall 2002.

Teaching Techniques: Cooperative learning groups and hands-on activities are a must. I have a very constructivist approach to education. I like incorporating technology into education as much as possible to facilitate the learning process. My senior thesis at St. Mary's College focused on incorporating technology into teaching biology. I found that combining technological resources with traditional methods of instruction (frog dissection, in this case) students achieved ten percentage points higher on assessments.

Future Plans: To continue to develop my knowledge of environmental science. To work on my Masters degree in biology in the field of environmental toxicology or other related field. To continue to volunteer and make what I hope are meaningful contributions to the public awareness of environmental stewardship.

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http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/Extension/msgsnn/msgsnn07_1/educator.html