GK-12 Teachers

I am in my sixth year at MBHS, and teach both Marine Science and Biology. I was overjoyed when I learned that I was selected to be apart of the GK-12 Program again! Last years experience with Ms. Jones in the marsh was invaluable to me as a teacher and having her in the classroom was wonderful for my students. This year Ms. Canton has already been super involved in lessons and we are making some serious waves in the way we do inquiry in our classroom! And to think we have only just begun the year!

I have been teaching for 10 years, 7 of those are in 8th grade science. Forestbrook Middle School has been fortunate enough to have a GK-12 Fellow for 2 years now and we can see a dramatic positive effect on the students engagement in learning and enthusiasm for not only science, but for a desire to be at school just to have the opportunity to talk with a real scientist. The GK-12 program is a wonderful opportunity to increase student interest and ability levels in the field of science. The Fellows assist students with developing a deeper knowledge of scientific concepts and create an electric environment in the classroom. It is an unbelievable opportunity!

I am in my 4th year teaching, all of them at North Myrtle Beach High, teaching Biology. Our school also had a GK-12 fellow last year and it made a such a positive impact on that classroom/students that I couldn't wait to join in the fun! Ms. Marsh really contradicted their preconceived ideas about what a scientist is! Most assumed that to be a scientist, you had to be male, have crazy hair, wear glasses and a lab coat! Ms. Marsh has piqued their interest with her Creature Feature and Plant Rant- which has been a great way to educate our students about the world around them that some of them may never get to see. Ms. Marsh has also proven herself invaluable as an extra resource for the many questions that arise. I know the students are excited to go to the marsh on a field trip soon- Pluff mud and all!

I have been teaching 8th grade Earth Science for 10 years. I was excited when I was chosen to be a part of the GK-12 Program. This program has given me the opportunity to work with Ms. Cziraki this summer with her research project and it was great to take the role of learner. Even though we have been in school for only a few weeks, Ms. Cziraki has already been a new resource for me to pull from and an extra extension to use in my classroom. She has added a “breath of fresh air” to my classroom. The sky is the limit for my students’ learning this year.

I want to start by giving my thanks and appreciation to Coastal for allowing me to be apart of the GK-12 Program, last year and again this year. This is my 16th year of teaching and this program has had a huge impact on my student’s achievement. The program has given students many more opportunities otherwise they would not have had and given me the opportunity to work with a master level student in science. Rachel Connelly is bringing to the class her wealth of knowledge and experiences to pass along to my sixth grade students and teaching them through inquiry base lessons how to be a scientist. What a great resource to have. The year has just gotten started and the students are loving it.

This is my 5th year teaching Marine Science at Carolina Forest High School, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of the GK-12 Program. Though I’ve attended numerous conferences and workshops these past few years, nothing compares to having a marine science graduate student, namely Adam Fox, leading hands-on activities in my classroom. Mr. Fox is helping me revitalize my curriculum with his knowledge, unique perspective, and field experience. I was able to spend a couple of days this summer assisting with his research project on strand-feeding dolphins, and it was an incredible experience. He has already brought several new activities into my classroom and I can’t wait for him to share his work with my students. This is going to be an exciting year – one that will definitely impact student learning, not only for my current students but for my future students as well!