Learning is like breathing for me, it is something I Must do everyday.

     The future of our world relies on the teachers of today. Science teachers need to have current , up to date knowledge and information. The students of today are the teachers of tomorrow. Teachers are the leaders in their classrooms and therefore are looked upon as leaders by their students.

 This all  male population ranges in age from ten to twenty-one. Every student (resident) lives on the “campus”.  Of the 120 students some have a “PINS Petition” (person in need of supervision) or a “JD” status (Juvenile Delinquency Charges) issued by the New York City Court. Various circumstances could result in this petitions issue; student or parent request, truant, arrested, drug abuse,  violation of parole, voluntary placement (approved by Family Court). The majority of the students have been  abused , abandoned or neglected by their own family break-down; parents deceased, in jail, drug addicts , grandmother too old to mind another grandchild. Many of the students’ life experiences have lead them to believe that they have little or no ability to influence what happens to them. They seldom are sure of their own abilities. If left unnoticed, these students will go through the school day and live in a steady progression of academic failure. I attempt to present material, ideas, situations which help to stimulate students with encouragement, excitement and challenges to which they can realistically aspire, emphasis on developing the concepts, skills and techniques that will ensure their success at the next level. By pointing out the many different ways that Science can play a part in everyday living, this helps the students thinking, reasoning and problem solving skills . Students are less likely to be intimidated by Science if they are encouraged to explore Science  by doing, reasoning and exchanging ideas applied to everyday life.  Teachers are the leaders who provide students with the information for the future.

       One of my interests is in the area of Horticulture and Special Education. This has been a focus of mine for many years. There continues to be a growing relevant amount of information involving Horticulture activities as a distinct discipline. Many special education children have limited experiences with relationships. Children who have low  self esteem can find their way back to health by orienting themselves to nature. They can  in turn  reflect on their own self. Anyone who has worked a piece of land will admit that gardening provides feelings of peace , reassurance from tilling the soil , nurturing  plants, and watching their growth.

      Horticulture gardening activities help the child intensify an interest by developing personal potential. Horticulture activities reduce preoccupation with deficiencies and help to promote an interest in themselves. The uniqueness of Horticulture activities comes from living plants. Plants respond quickly to care or lack of it and reward us with new  leaves , flowers ,fruit as positive feed back. This sense  of  accomplishment has a direct impact on improving a child’s self esteem. These accomplishments give the child  an opportunity to concentrate on something other than themselves. When children witness the growing process in nature, personal development can also be stimulated.  Individual developmental  deficiencies can be compensated and newly learned behaviors/skills can be integrated into personal competency (achievement).

        In my classroom I have a Horticulture area for my students to plant (cuttings/seeds)  .There is a bucket filled with potting soil and flower pots. There are water spray bottles for all to 'mist' the plants. The students will take the plants back to their room to take care of their  new "plant". I have observed many students develop an affection to plants. Their own desire to take care of something  grows from this experience.    

Student Council Advisor, Project Arts Coordinator, Mentor for New Teachers .

 Participant in the Summer 1999 NASA ( National Aeronautics and Space Administration) NEWMAST Educational Workshop at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland . 

 Previously a Children's Garden Instructor at Bronx-New York Botanical Garden

Student Teaching in England  

"A man is not a physical entity, but the sum of all his experiences, interests and achievements.”  Thomas Jefferson

     This two week program has been a great learning experience for teachers with many hands on activities .The opportunity to work in the Microbiology Lab at PACE University and explore the American Museum of Natural History has been an intellectually stimulating challenge. The time spent learning about Biodiversity and Biocomplexity provided me with an inspiration and guidance . This will  will allow me to help my students reach their fullest Science potential.