과학 + 예술 = 물고기: 정의하고, 토론하고, 그리세요! (상어 편)

Hello Outschool Families! 

My name is Ms. Megan, and I am so excited to be a part of your community! A little background about me -- I began my career in education with a degree in Early Childhood Education and was hired for my first teaching job in a 4th-grade classroom. I continued to teach 4th grade for the next eleven years. During this time, I took on mentoring and coaching roles in my school community, as well as earned my Masters of Education in Educational Leadership.  After moving on to teach 2nd grade for two years, I became and am currently the assistant principal of a preschool, elementary school, AND junior high school! Through these experiences, I have realized that all ages have their own "sweet spot," and I have found that in order for a curriculum to be effective, genuine connections with students come first and foremost. 

When I became an assistant principal, I realized that I was really missing those small group and one-on-one connections with students, as well as being a part of those "aha!" moments with students as they learn. Because of this, I began also began teaching virtually in my spare time.  This combination gives me the best of both worlds -- I enjoy not only supporting and effectively impacting my "brick-and-mortar" school community but also being a positive role model for students all over the world through direct instruction. 

Although I have rich experience in all subject matter as well as ESL experience, I love teaching integrated science and art curriculum the most!  There are so many opportunities for extension, as well as many ways to build on a student's own authentic experiences and prior knowledge.  Drawing and coloring after a short lesson are a great way to solidify learning through conversation and kinesthetic experience. On the flip side, I also love teaching English language arts, and as a teacher, I have taught hundreds of students how to write in cursive through a very specific method.  This is quickly becoming a "lost art" and is not only fun for students to learn, but can be useful to them in the future.  The specific strokes and joining of the letters are also great for the brain and I look forward to introducing it to the students of Outschool.

At home, I have two sons (ages 13 and 10), one daughter (5), a husband, and a dog. Yes, my kids are at my school, but I love it, and so do they (most days ;))! After spending time with my family, my favorite thing to do in my spare time is READ, exercise, and keep busy. 

Thank you for reviewing my profile -- I hope to meet your student soon!