This I Believe
Sandra Jackson
Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois in Urbana. She also received a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in School Leadership. Presently, Sandra is a STEM Math Specialist at George W. Tilton STEM Elementary School. Sandra enjoys her role as a STEM Math Specialist, offering her expertise as a math coach and leading professional development in STEM education for K - 8th grade teachers. Sandra has a large role in the integration and implementation of STEM as she also teaches STEM classes to 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 8th grade. Prior to this work, Sandra taught high school math for 17 years. As a STEM Math Specialist, Sandra hopes to see more fruit from her labor as teachers and students continue the transition towards full implementation of a STEM education.
Twitter handle:: @sjoycej2
Website:: sandrajoy.weebly.com
Favorite quote related to teaching/learning: “Education is our passport to the future. For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X
Book Recommendation: “STEM to Story” by 826 National and edited by Jennifer Traig. This is a good resource book for someone who is interested in STEM education. This book will enable teachers to facilitate fun, engaging and meaningful lessons that involve hands-on discovery in science, technology, engineering and math with creative writing to inspire future scientists.
1. Looking back.
Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Chicago, yet striving to obtain an education, contributed to me being an agent of change. I had to overcome many obstacles as well as work hard in order to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering and to teach high school math. In essence, I had to press to get ahead and to have an equal voice in school and in my job experiences. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands during challenges and controversy.” I have always had determination to excel or to make a difference. It became evident in my pursuits. Education has enabled me to impact young people’s lives. As a STEM teacher, I empower students with knowledge and inspire them to embrace opportunities, set goals and to persevere. As a STEM coach, I inspire teachers to embrace the educational changes of the 21st Century because change enables progress and grants opportunities.
2. Where I am now?
I am engaging my students in problem-based, project-based and inquiry based learning. Students are practicing 21st Century skills that foster student centered instruction that incorporates the 4Cs, communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking as well as technology integration. Kagan strategies are being adopted to facilitate cooperative learning. I have also been providing ongoing professional development and coaching to teachers to continue to broaden the scope of understanding of the components that define a STEM education.
3. Looking Forward.
As Tilton is taking on more characteristics of a STEM school and teachers are shifting their instruction, I am also growing in knowledge and understanding of where we are with STEM implementation and where we are going. I do see the potential of student leaders within the school, more parent involvement in STEM and teachers becoming more proficient in planning STEM lessons. One of the goals I am striving for is student centered classroom where teachers mainly serve as the facilitators.
4. Summing Up.
This I believe... the energy, time and effort invested in teachers and students will manifest over time. I believe that within the next few years, some of our present middle school students will be able to apply their knowledge and reasoning skills that they have acquired through their STEM educational experiences to their high school and college experiences. Some of my students will become leaders of change within their academic environment and will eventually pursue STEM related majors in college.
Twitter handle:: @sjoycej2
Website:: sandrajoy.weebly.com
Favorite quote related to teaching/learning: “Education is our passport to the future. For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Malcolm X
Book Recommendation: “STEM to Story” by 826 National and edited by Jennifer Traig. This is a good resource book for someone who is interested in STEM education. This book will enable teachers to facilitate fun, engaging and meaningful lessons that involve hands-on discovery in science, technology, engineering and math with creative writing to inspire future scientists.
1. Looking back.
Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in Chicago, yet striving to obtain an education, contributed to me being an agent of change. I had to overcome many obstacles as well as work hard in order to obtain a degree in mechanical engineering and to teach high school math. In essence, I had to press to get ahead and to have an equal voice in school and in my job experiences. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands during challenges and controversy.” I have always had determination to excel or to make a difference. It became evident in my pursuits. Education has enabled me to impact young people’s lives. As a STEM teacher, I empower students with knowledge and inspire them to embrace opportunities, set goals and to persevere. As a STEM coach, I inspire teachers to embrace the educational changes of the 21st Century because change enables progress and grants opportunities.
2. Where I am now?
I am engaging my students in problem-based, project-based and inquiry based learning. Students are practicing 21st Century skills that foster student centered instruction that incorporates the 4Cs, communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking as well as technology integration. Kagan strategies are being adopted to facilitate cooperative learning. I have also been providing ongoing professional development and coaching to teachers to continue to broaden the scope of understanding of the components that define a STEM education.
3. Looking Forward.
As Tilton is taking on more characteristics of a STEM school and teachers are shifting their instruction, I am also growing in knowledge and understanding of where we are with STEM implementation and where we are going. I do see the potential of student leaders within the school, more parent involvement in STEM and teachers becoming more proficient in planning STEM lessons. One of the goals I am striving for is student centered classroom where teachers mainly serve as the facilitators.
4. Summing Up.
This I believe... the energy, time and effort invested in teachers and students will manifest over time. I believe that within the next few years, some of our present middle school students will be able to apply their knowledge and reasoning skills that they have acquired through their STEM educational experiences to their high school and college experiences. Some of my students will become leaders of change within their academic environment and will eventually pursue STEM related majors in college.