"I have a Master's in Education with a Minor in Environmental Education, and have finished coursework for a Masters in Environmental Science (expected graduation 5/2018). My love of education and teaching comes from a lifelong dedication of learning. As a cum laude graduate, I know that a dedication and passion for learning can make a difference. As a community educator for many years, I have had the opportunity of helping students, the general public, government agencies, and academic researchers expand and apply additional knowledge about wildlife and the environment. I also have a personal passion and interest in European History, as I believe we are better equipped to handle our present and future when we understand our past.

For many years, I have been involved with projects that included first-hand opportunities to work directly with wildlife, and with programs that were focused on making positive and long-term impacts on wildlife and associated environmental systems. My goal as an educator is to provide students with similar types of opportunities during their education experience.

I have established two primary philosophies as an environmental science educator: to get students to think about science as a process of discovery and learning, and to individualize learning experiences, with the intent that learning is a sought after experience and that all students will reap the benefit of the classroom curriculum. I believe that asking questions and attempting to answer questions is extremely motivating. Given the opportunity, I encourage learners to think about the basic questions they have, and to begin to personally contribute potential answers to the current body of knowledge.

I strongly believe that teachers play a critical mentoring role for learners, and I strive to incorporate character education and ethics into environmental science instruction. It is my desire as an educator to help students meet their fullest potential by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and i" less...