Learning is Alchemy

Educating other teachers about the reefs

2007-09-02T11:07:00.000+10:00

During the August 2007 Professional Development for the CNMI Public School System, I facilitated a coral reef workshop with the Director of the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance.

We taught the teachers about coral reef ecology, watersheds that feed into the reefs on Saipan, and recent efforts to protect reefs and turtles. The teachers got to go out into the field and observe the impact of tourists and pollution on the reef. The coral at Managaha impacted by heavy tourist activity.
Corals outside the swim zone at Managaha

We also took the teachers up to Mt. Lau Lau to observe a tree revegetation project established to reduce erosion and run off in Lau Lau Bay.

The 20 teachers will each be writing and implementing 2 coral reef education lessons into their curriculum this year and planning a service project for their students.

Micronesia Challenge Summer Camp

2007-07-09T16:38:00.001+10:00

In June 2007, I co-directed an environmental camp with Angelo Vilagomez of Beautify CNMI and MINA. We had 12 students between 7th and 9th grade. Most of them were club members of S.A.V.E (Student Action for a Viable Environment) which is a club I started at Hopwood last summer. We spent the week learning about different environmental careers and environmental issues affecting the CNMI. The students learned a bit about plant cells and plant propogation in preparation for planting 6 Flame Trees at American Memorial Park. They also participated in a Traditional Fishing Workshop, sponsored by Fish and Wildlife and The Children of Our Homeland Center at Joeten Kiyu Library. We had guest speakers who shared about the threat of the Brown Tree Snake, the Micronesia Challenge, turtle protection and the formation of Beautify CNMI. We went on field trips to the CUC lab and one of the waste water treatment plants. A few of us got interviewed on Harry Blalock's morning radio show, and the students wrote Public Service Announcements and got them broadcast on 2 different radio stations on Saipan. We did experiments dealing with waste water treatment and used science skills and problem solving methods to solve several mysteries involving water borne illnesses. The students also researched different reef formations (barrier, fringe, patch and atolls) and made models using clay, beans and pasta. These are now on display at the Legislative Building in Rep. Cinta Kaipat's office and will eventually be on display at the American Memorial Park. The students got to experience a wonderful cultural exchange when Shanai, from Australia, joined us for the last 3 days of camp. She and her dad are cruising on a boat from Japan to Australia. On Friday afternoon we went to Managaha Island and camped out for the night. We played mostly, but the students also learned about plankton. Angelo has posted pictures and daily accounts on http://www.beautifycnmi.com/ and http://www.greencnmi.blogspot.com/A couple of the students, Mylene and Hope, also posted about their experience on their own blogs. Harry even wrote about us on his blog. Check it out!Click on Each Day for pictures and highlightsDay 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 and 5

Curriculum Vitae

2007-06-25T13:16:00.000+10:00

QUALIFICATIONS:
•Highly Qualified Teacher per NCLB mandates for CNMI and Washington State.
•Passed PRAXIS I and II in Science
•Masters Degree and Ed. Cert. for k-8 all subjects and science 5-12.
•Member of National Science Teacher’s Association and the Association for Supervision, Curriculum and Development
•Recipient of Beautify CNMI Govenor's Environmental Champion Award 2007
•Member of the Leadership Committee for Hopwood Junior High School
•Science department chair and science resource/lab teacher for Hopwood Junior High School
•Over 7 years of experience educating youth from multiple ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds in both informal and formal educational settings
•Adjunct Marine Biology professor at NMC
•Member of the Science Learning Community which utilizes peer education to provide professional development for teachers K-12 in science.
•Experience developing curricula for multiple grades and multiple subjects
•Coordinated Environmental Education Camps for middle school students in conjunction with Beautify CNMI, MRCDC, DEQ and CRM.
•Coordinated high school allied health care career camp for CNMI youth in conjunction with CHC, PSS, and AHEC
•Co-adviser for an environmental club at Hopwood Junior High School.
•Trained in Understanding by Design, Core Knowledge, International Baccalaureate PYP, and Teaching with Love and Logic

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:
Masters In Teaching Certificate
Gonzaga University,Spokane,Washington 2004

Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership GonzagaUniversity,Spokane,Washington 2000

Bachelor of Science
Evergreen State College,Olympia,Washington 1996

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Science Teacher, Hopwood Junior High School 2005-Present Saipan, MP
I am a Highly Qualified Teacher in a large multilingual and multicultural middle school. I am the department chair and science resource teacher for 6 other teachers. I received grants to purchase inquiry based kits and provide professional development for teachers as well as teaching 8th grade science. I advise an environmental club after school, as well as a book club.

Adjunct Faculty, Northern Marianas College
2006-Present Saipan, MP
I teach Marine Biology at a 2 year community college. I incorporate technology for instruction and multiple modes of learning. This class is offered on-line for students residing on other islands within the CNMI.
Science Teacher, Wellpinit Elementary School 2004-2005 Wellpinit, WA
I developed and implemented a K-5 science program in a school located on an Indian reservation. I taught 6 grade levels, provided inquiry based science. During my tenure, science scores on the statewide assessment went from 0% passing in 5th grade to 7% passing in the first year. I coordinated a health care careers camp for 5th graders in the summer and participated in a culturally responsive teaching symposium with the tribe.

Hub Coordinator, Glover Middle School 2002-2004
Spokane, WA
I developed and implemented informal education programs for middle school youth in a large middle school. These programs and services were linked to state benchmarks and provided enrichment and extended learning opportunities for students. I partnered with area businesses, colleges and community organizations to run these programs.

Project Coordinator, Health Improvement Partnership
2001-2002 Spokane, WA
I facilitated the formation of youth development programs and services in partnership with America’s Promise, local school districts, Cooperative Extension, area colleges and the city’s youth department.

Co-Director, Grace Community Learning Center 2000-2001
Spokane, WA
I volunteered for a year, to establish an after school program in a low income neighborhood in Spokane, WA. I wrote grants, developed the curriculum, recruited youth, trained and supervised volunteers, and developed partnerships with neighborhood churches and businesses for resources.

Education Specialist, Spokane County Domestic Violence Consortium
1997-1999, 2000-2002 Spokane, WA
I collaborated with multiple agencies and community organizations to develop educational programs and campaigns aimed at preventing domestic violence. I developed and implemented intervention training for health care providers, educators, and religious leaders.I partnered with schools and after school programs to provide healthy relationship education and outreach to youth.