Career
Graduated with an overall GPA of 3.62 while working a part-time job, getting married and beginning pre-requisites for teacher certification.
Attended a two week intensive course on the science of humans where science teachers learned about body systems, embryonic development and best practices in teaching.
Rick Smith is a leader in effective classroom management techniques and procedure implementation.
Worked with master teachers at Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, CA and taught biology, honors biology and physical science. Tutored struggling freshman at lunch once a week.
Developed and implemented novel, engaging curriculum for biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, 7th and 8th grade science. Fostered positive rapport with students while maintaining a high standards curriculum. Designed engaging inquiry labs and activities that made the content more accessible for low performing students and English learners.
Clear credential obtained.
Collaborated with teachers and staff to create a new school, curriculum (biology, chemistry, integrated science and anatomy/physiology), culture and reputation for a brand new high school charter focused on the arts and sciences in a high-poverty district. “Flipped classroom” by creating own online screencast lessons that students watch at home, and created and implemented lessons, labs and activities that deepen student learning and understanding while in the classroom, including whole-class inquiry assessments and role-play science scenarios. Teamed up with medical illustrators, science professionals and designers to create relevant, engaging, student-centered inquiry lessons that caused deep and reflective student learning. Served on multiple committees (financial sustainability, advisory, facilities, etc) to make pivotal decisions for the school (non-paid). Mentored approximately 30 students from sophomore year through senior year through a 4-day-per- week advisory period and personally handed them their high school diploma at the graduation ceremony. Club advisor for the CSI (Christians Serving Inspire) club for three years and Secret Science Society for 1 year.
A workshop with Dylan Wiliam on effective formative assessment and the latest studies on education.
Over 10 science workshops attended, including how to create screencasts. This led to flipping my classroom the following week.
For excellent service at Inspire School of Arts and Sciences.
Consulted the Duarte speaking team on education and helped modify their content for an audience of educators. Attended 3 ADE workshops.
Created inquiry science lessons that integrate technology. Studied different pedagogies and educational psychology to further understand the art and science of teaching. Worked with middle school students on lessons that seamlessly integrate technology to enhance learning. Worked with a small team to create professional development workshops and host a PD conference at USF. Analyzed the quality of education technologies for implementation into the classroom. Studied inequities in education focusing on the digital divide.
Mentored and collaborated with the two other teachers in the science department to create a cohesive program with high expectations for student learning and achievement. Created a YouTube channel (Teacher’s Pet) full of short, polished science videos about biology and chemistry that are part of a bank of open educational resources for teachers to modify and reuse in any way they want. Mentored 13 freshman boys three days a week and moderated the Eco Club.
Sharing is Caring and Winner’s Choice: Teacher from EdSurge and Digital Promise for work with educators and the Teacher’s Pet channel.