Me as a Teacher...
I am a biology education graduate from Northern State University. I graduated on December 12, 2009, and only weeks after college graduation began my career at Ipswich high school on January 4, 2010. Last spring, I had the opportunity to apply at Warner for their MS/HS Science opening, and was extremely excited to here I was chosen for the position. I have always had a genuine respect for the Warner School District given the fact that the students truly act out the schools mission statement. It did not matter what event I attended, athletic or academic, I was able to see the students from Warner building character and achieving personal goals. I knew when the job opened that I wanted to be a part of the teaching team that helped students live out that mission. This will be my fourth year teaching, and I love what I do! During my first year at Warner, I will be teaching the following courses: Sixth Grade Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Anatomy and Physiology.
Why I love science???
What science does to me is not only explain why things work a certain way or provide highly technical answers for rather simplistic things but it allows my mind to wander. Once you begin to learn what the greater implications for science can be it becomes fun and it encourages a development of free-thinking thought processes.
I find science to be more invigorating, more self-satisfying, and more complementary to my mind than anything else. I constantly sit in wonder as to why something works a certain way, how it works, and the implications that it can have. It allows me to be skeptical, the flow of thought to be uninhibited, and it suits me perfectly.
For me, science is how I interpret the world. It's what truly captivates me and allows me to both level with what I do understand and explore that which I don't. There are so many opportunities, so many things unknown, and I want to be a part of it all. It is, in essence, what makes me happy. To understand it all, to look at something and know how it works in detail, to get a better picture of the workings of the world - it is truly invigorating.
Why I love science???
What science does to me is not only explain why things work a certain way or provide highly technical answers for rather simplistic things but it allows my mind to wander. Once you begin to learn what the greater implications for science can be it becomes fun and it encourages a development of free-thinking thought processes.
I find science to be more invigorating, more self-satisfying, and more complementary to my mind than anything else. I constantly sit in wonder as to why something works a certain way, how it works, and the implications that it can have. It allows me to be skeptical, the flow of thought to be uninhibited, and it suits me perfectly.
For me, science is how I interpret the world. It's what truly captivates me and allows me to both level with what I do understand and explore that which I don't. There are so many opportunities, so many things unknown, and I want to be a part of it all. It is, in essence, what makes me happy. To understand it all, to look at something and know how it works in detail, to get a better picture of the workings of the world - it is truly invigorating.
Me as a person...
I grew up in Hosmer and graduated from Edmunds Central in 2005. I have been married for four years this past July to Mike Merkel. He is the computer support specialist at the Brown Country court house in Aberdeen. My daughter's name is Zoey L'Wren and she will be turning one on September 5th. Nora and Jasper, our two tiny noise makers, complete our family of five. My favorite hobbies include: PINTREST, going for walks with my family, digital scrap-booking drinking coffee ... yes, I consider that a hobby. To describe myself in three words would be pretty simple: optimistic, creative, and energetic. Being a role-model is not a responsibility I take lightly. I have had many strong and supportive people at every stage in my life and I feel teaching is the perfect opportunity to pay it forward and return the favor to the students I teach, just like I anticipate Zoey's future teachers doing the same for her.
Fun fact.
In high school, I scored my 1,000 point of my basketball career in the Warner Gym!
Courses Completed the Summer of 2013
- (June) Health Curriculum In-A-Box (Continuing Education)
- (June) Next Generation Science Academy (Graduate Course)
- (July) Cosmic Connections Workshop (Graduate Course)
I believe that....
Teaching is an art form. It takes knowledge, skill, patience, understanding, and management skills. It is a profession that is constantly changing and takes constant updating to make our student’s experiences in the classroom more rewarding.
As a teacher I hope to capture my student’s attention and not only teach them the science content but also life skills which will carry them through the many years ahead. I have been teaching for three and a half years and have had the pleasure of teaching Environmental Science, Biology, and Physical Science, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Senior Capstone. I have my undergrad degree in Biology Education and plan on getting a Master's degree in Teaching and Learning in the near future. During my first year at Warner, I will be teaching the following courses: Sixth Grade Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Anatomy and Physiology.
As a teacher I hope to capture my student’s attention and not only teach them the science content but also life skills which will carry them through the many years ahead. I have been teaching for three and a half years and have had the pleasure of teaching Environmental Science, Biology, and Physical Science, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Senior Capstone. I have my undergrad degree in Biology Education and plan on getting a Master's degree in Teaching and Learning in the near future. During my first year at Warner, I will be teaching the following courses: Sixth Grade Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Anatomy and Physiology.
My mission for the class...
I feel that every child has the potential to succeed and has the ability to learn. My goal is to reach every student using multiple teaching methods while also increasing their personal organizational skills. I hope to help them understand how important Science is to them in their everyday lives and to the future of planet Earth. Each student has the power to make a difference not only in their own future but in the future of the world around them.
A little something special...
If you are ever having a rough day here is a quote to think about, a picture to laugh at, and a video that will hopefully bring a smile to your face.