Teacher Friendly Chemistry

I have taught Chemistry for 30 years. (27 yrs AP, 5 yrs IB, 28 yrs Honors) I have presented numerous workshops through Chem Ed Conferences, HASTI and Indiana Alliance of Chemistry Teachers. I have presented workshops as an educational consultant in chemistry in Florida and Texas. In the last 3 years I have presented many workshops through the NMSI AP grant in Indiana. I have attended numerous week long workshops by the College Board, Flinn Scientific and the American Society of Materials. At school I have served as a Co-Chair for the School Improvement Committee, a Literacy Leader and as a Lead Chemistry Teacher. Why Teacher Friendly Chemistry? In my early years of teaching; labs were my most frustrating days. The textbook labs were long, difficult for the students to read and accomplish and often too long for the students to complete during the class time. That is why I started re-writing labs to become one page front and back, easy to read and understand; a background that students read and answer questions on before going back to the lab area. A lab that teaches specific information that would often be covered during a lecture. A lab that can be stored as a kit and quick to set up. A lab that is fast to grade and a lab that addresses student absences while holding students accountable for learning.

I use backwards planning, lesson design and literacy strategies to guide my instruction. My students enjoy over 100 days in the lab area.I love a classroom that is fun, exciting, challenging and especially hands-on. Typical Day in Chemistry • Anticipatory set - demonstration, questions, etc • 10 minute mini-lecture input with guided practice • Individual practice as entrance ticket to the lab or lab activity • Exit Ticket which can be the lab quiz over the lab Lecture notes are sometimes given in the form of a foldable or in the form of creating a booklet.

• 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Science Teaching • 2011 Ball State Alumni Woman of Achievement Award • 2009 Indiana PAEMST State Finalist • 2011 Chem Ed Presenter, 2009 Chem Ed Presenter • 2002 President Indiana Alliance of Chemistry Teachers • 2003 Indiana University Armstrong Educator Award • 2002 IPL Golden Apple Award • 2002 Prioject E Excellence in Education Finalist • 2002 Subaru National Teacher Award Finalist • M.S.D of Wayne Township Top 30 Teacher (16 years) • M.S.D of Wayne Township Extra Mile Award Winner (4years)

B.S. - Secondary Education Chemistry M.A. - Secondary Science Education Teacher Leadership Academy Certification National Mathematics and Science Initiative AP Trainining (3yrs)

I bring science experiments into teaching Sunday School, Children's Church and Church Camps. I have two adopted daughters, one from Guatemala and one from Tennessee and my children love coming into my classroom to do science experiments on the weekend!