Exposing Others to Our Work

In the previous post, I mentioned that we needed to promote ourselves and our programs. As I prepare for this weekend's presentation at the Rio Grande Valley Science Association conference, I need to let others know how the TRC benefits them.

Nearly or maybe slightly over one hundred teachers have participated in the Texas Regional Collaborative which can support teachers toward obtaining a master of education degree. Lately I've been connecting with Zulema Williams-Santa Ana's second grade class at Dora Romero Elementary. Oh!, the students would be upset if I didn't mention that they are in "Mrs. Williams' College Dorm" class.

Mrs. Williams' College Dorm Class

Zulema is a Milken Family award-winning teacher and obviously an exceptional educator even if she didn't have that title. She completed her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in science education a few years ago and has also served as an adjunct. The fact that she has the academic and experiential qualifications and is passionate about making science comprehensible to her students, makes her the perfect person to teach future teachers.

Student Work by the Professor

This week I'll be visiting her class and plan to go outdoors and help the students learn about what they see by journaling, drawing, and displaying their work. Ms Williams reports that the students have gained experience in drawing and reflecting. We'll add some technology applications and see where the activity takes us. The students are already eager to learn and go outdoors.

This will be enjoyable for me and I hope for the students. This is also a great opportunity to invite other teachers to learn about experiential learning and apply these strategies in the classroom.