I could easily drone on about all the ways my Kenan Fellowship has enriched my life, but in the interest of my readers., I’ll format this blog in the spirit of a “stump speech” (You’re welcome, Craig!) and limit my blog to two major changes I’ve experienced.
*My fellowship has changed what I understand about Science: Prior to this experience, I knew very little about Agricultural Science, Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Biotechnology, and Microbiology. My Kenan internship felt like a fast-paced course in Applied Biology, and I saw first hand how science is an expanding field, as our depth of knowledge grows exponentially. Although I may not teach higher level science courses, a stronger foundation in content knowledge helps me challenge my students. Seeing how what I teach my students today becomes useful in the corporate science environment empowers me to be an advocate for STEM education. What we teach and how we teach matters!
*My fellowship has taught me to “Just Ask!” In the past, I have not consistently sought out community resources, but my Kenan experience has shown me how my community has both the desire and the ability to meaningfully contribute to my classroom. Through some connections I’ve made through the fellowship and outside networking, I’ve learned of opportunities I never knew were available for my class. For example, in the fall, I had Daniel Weeks, the project manager of Holly Springs, share with my students how a local government budget works. The kids loved interacting with him, and they benefited from his education and real-world experience. When the time came for me to invite a mentor from Bayer to visit my classroom, FIVE REAL SCIENTISTS jumped at the chance. They will be giving my students feedback on their greenhouse proposals later this month. What did I have to do to access these opportunities? All I had to do was ask! Many people value education and are willing to help out in schools. When you tell them your kids need their expertise, they joyfully volunteer! I may not have experience in every topic in our curriculum, but I can find someone who does. Especially, as it pertains to science, it would be silly NOT to take advantage of the corporate and educational institutions we have in our area! Chances are, my students will long remember their interactions with these professionals over my lesson on any given Tuesday, and all I had to do was ask!
Today’s takeaway: No educator is an island. Reach out to the continent for the sake of your students. You can’t do it alone, but you don’t have to.