I currently teach the Pk-4 Science methods course (Instructional Strategies for Science and Technology) along with science courses in the online Math and Science Master's Degree program. I am most proud and excited about the resources available for the students in the methods classes. The new science room has two Smart Boards, a 30 unit iPad station, along with every major resource science kit available. Our students truly get to excel in teaching science content and developing competency with the latest technology. With regards to the graduate courses, technology has also allowed for online courses that have a "classroom feel". Both myself and the students in the courses are able to post secure videos of science demonstrations and activities for the class to collaborate and respond to with feedback and comments. The enrollment is growing and we now have senior level students enrolling in the courses, so that when they graduate with their Bachelor's Degree, they already have anywhere from 6-12 credits of the graduate program completed as well.
What scholarly/service projects are you working on and what are you most proud about those projects?
Currently, I am working with Dr. Gordon and Dr. Katsafanas to develop an International Track for education majors. This will become a choice for students to help expand their global education and will prepare them for a more rich experience when selecting a student teaching experience in Ireland or Mexico. I am also working with a great team of colleagues across the College of Education to develop a new Master's Degree program in Technology for Online Educational Instruction. This program will help teachers become better prepared to teach in cyber and online classroom environments. Personally, I am developing new applications of technology to aid teachers with differentiating instruction in their classrooms. I am also developing new STEM science based activities for early childhood teachers to use in their classrooms. I have presented on both of these topics at education conferences this past semester in Charlotte, North Carolina and Wakiki, Hawaii.
What student success stories can you share?
I have been so proud of all of the students who have become members of the National Science Teachers Association Student Chapter on campus, which I have assisted as faculty advisor. I have watched our students excel in professionalism for each of the last 7 years, while they have annually helped Girl Scouts earn science badges, assistEd the Carnegie Science Center with programs, and developed novel science activity ideas and presented them to in-service teachers at the state science teachers conference each year.
What do you do for fun during time off/school break?
I love to exercise and be active. I have completed the P90x, P90x3, Insanity, and Focus T25 programs and am currently one month into P90x3. I also look forward to playing church league softball along with my wife for St. Peter's Parish. My wife and I also love to golf as often as we can.
What do you like best or appreciate most about Slippery Rock?
Slippery Rock is a very close knit community with so many caring people! I have been on this campus first as an undergraduate student taking courses from 1986-1992, as a graduate students from 1994-1997, and now as a faculty member from 2000 to the present. There is no better place to be a student or a faculty member! I will highlight one example. When I was activated by the US Army to deploy to Baghdad, Iraq in 2003-2004, the students in my courses created a hard cover book, where each student filled out a page. Each wrote a personalized message of encouragement. When I received it, I was absolutely amazed by the caring of this SRU community!
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