Background of experiences:
What is your current position?
I currently hold the positions of Nationally Board Certified Mathematics Teacher at a high school, Math and Business Department Chair, IB CAS Coordinator and Class Sponsor.
How long have you had this position?
I have been a math teacher for 23 years, Math Department Chair for the last five years (Business department was added to my department this past year). This is my third year as the IB CAS Coordinator. I have been a class sponsor for a total of seven years for three different graduating classes.
What others positions/work/life experiences have you had that you feel contributed to your development and preparation for administration?
The types of jobs I have held vary; such …show more content…
What are your beliefs on the purpose of education?
I believe the purpose of education is to gain knowledge, skills, and the ability to think and reason from individuals who are experienced and are knowledgeable in their field of study. Ultimately the knowledge and skills gained should help the individual to be self-sufficient and to be a productive and contributing member of society.
Does your purpose include social, economic, and political components? If so, what are the fundamental principles for your beliefs in each of these areas?
My purpose of education does include social and economic components; however, it does not include a political component. My fundamental principles for the social component is that we are all here for a purpose and it is up to us, with the help and guidance of others, to figure out what that purpose is. We all have an obligation to uplift one another so that we can all have a fulfilling life. My fundamental principles for the economic component is that we all must learn to be self-sufficient. We all need to have a means of sustaining ourselves without infringing on the rights and lives of …show more content…
No, I don’t think all students should feel obligated to go to college. I don’t think a college degree will necessarily define someone’s success. I have had many students not go to college, but yet are very “successful” in their careers and personal lives.
Should education lean to the political” left” or “right?” and Can education be politically neutral?
I think that education should be politically neutral overall, but as a teacher/administrator I think I would lean towards the political right, because the “right” tends to be more conservative and even though I tend to think of my students as “my” children, they aren’t. As a school system we are not there to persuade our students to one side or the other of the political spectrum. As educators we should present both sides without bias and let our students think and reason for themselves.
Should we bring debate back into the curriculum of our schools?
Yes, I think debate should be put back into the curriculum in our schools. I believe that debate is a great way to teach student critical thinking skills. Students must do research on a topic (one they may or not agree with) and be asked to defend their assigned position. Students learn how to not only present information and justify their reasoning, but they also learn to anticipate the response or evidence of their opponent. Debate also has the added component of public speaking; an area our students tend to struggle
What is your current position?
I currently hold the positions of Nationally Board Certified Mathematics Teacher at a high school, Math and Business Department Chair, IB CAS Coordinator and Class Sponsor.
How long have you had this position?
I have been a math teacher for 23 years, Math Department Chair for the last five years (Business department was added to my department this past year). This is my third year as the IB CAS Coordinator. I have been a class sponsor for a total of seven years for three different graduating classes.
What others positions/work/life experiences have you had that you feel contributed to your development and preparation for administration?
The types of jobs I have held vary; such …show more content…
What are your beliefs on the purpose of education?
I believe the purpose of education is to gain knowledge, skills, and the ability to think and reason from individuals who are experienced and are knowledgeable in their field of study. Ultimately the knowledge and skills gained should help the individual to be self-sufficient and to be a productive and contributing member of society.
Does your purpose include social, economic, and political components? If so, what are the fundamental principles for your beliefs in each of these areas?
My purpose of education does include social and economic components; however, it does not include a political component. My fundamental principles for the social component is that we are all here for a purpose and it is up to us, with the help and guidance of others, to figure out what that purpose is. We all have an obligation to uplift one another so that we can all have a fulfilling life. My fundamental principles for the economic component is that we all must learn to be self-sufficient. We all need to have a means of sustaining ourselves without infringing on the rights and lives of …show more content…
No, I don’t think all students should feel obligated to go to college. I don’t think a college degree will necessarily define someone’s success. I have had many students not go to college, but yet are very “successful” in their careers and personal lives.
Should education lean to the political” left” or “right?” and Can education be politically neutral?
I think that education should be politically neutral overall, but as a teacher/administrator I think I would lean towards the political right, because the “right” tends to be more conservative and even though I tend to think of my students as “my” children, they aren’t. As a school system we are not there to persuade our students to one side or the other of the political spectrum. As educators we should present both sides without bias and let our students think and reason for themselves.
Should we bring debate back into the curriculum of our schools?
Yes, I think debate should be put back into the curriculum in our schools. I believe that debate is a great way to teach student critical thinking skills. Students must do research on a topic (one they may or not agree with) and be asked to defend their assigned position. Students learn how to not only present information and justify their reasoning, but they also learn to anticipate the response or evidence of their opponent. Debate also has the added component of public speaking; an area our students tend to struggle