Author: Laurie McKinney

Looking back at your first blog post, did you grow in the way you had hoped? Please reflect on your summer internship and the Kenan Fellows Program experience and describe how it has impacted you. 

• I struggled after the Fall meetings when my group didn’t have enough time to peer review everyone’s projects. We had helped troubleshoot everyones but mine and so when it came time to share my project with all the other Kenan Fellows I felt like I stumbled through a project idea.
• My peer review group DID help me out a lot after the fall meeting and we emailed and messaged about ideas for my final product.
• I am thankful to incorporate hands on activities
  

Describe a moment when your students experienced an “Ah-Ha” or
“light bulb” moment because of something you taught them.
– The HANDS ON visuals of energy use and conservation!

• Math energy conversions went the best they ever had after teaching this for 8 years.
• “wow this is awesome!”

Did that moment grow from your experience as a Kenan Fellow?
If so, how?

Absolutely! The PBL resources and education I received as a Kenan Fellow helped me gain confidence to incorporate PBL into an already tight curriculum.

Describe ways your fellowship has changed you. Consider how you collaborate with peers, deliver instruction and learn about STEM careers.

• Clear communication is SO important
• Clear expectations for group  work
• Planning with end in mind
• Basic skills – measurements

Describe your internship experience. 

• What was the most interesting moment? 
  • Being on the floor of Atrium Window and Doors! Wow! I pass this company every single day when I am driving to school and dropping my kids off. I had no idea how many people were employed within my community here and all the product that is made.

• What was the biggest challenge? 
  • Keeping steady flow of employees working in the plant.
• What is your biggest take away? 
  • Treating people with kindness goes a long way.
  • Clear Communication is very important
• How has your knowledge of career opportunities changed?
  • A good work ethic and showing up on time will take you far in almost careers.

You are creating a product that transfers your internship experience into resources for the industry partner or for your students/school/community. Please describe the challenges and successes you are experiencing.

One of the challenges I had with this opportunity is that there are so many different ways I could incorporate what I learned into the classroom. I am also concerned about the amount of class-time I have available for the project with COVID absences.

APES + Math need to be included in this project

Describe the highlight of your week at the KFP Summer Institute.
 How do you plan to implement something you learned at the
institute in your classroom?

• The helium stick is coming into my classroom for the first day of school!
• The Myers-Briggs survey really helped me reflect how I ask my students to interact and process information in my classroom. I plan on putting my letters on a sticky note on the side of my desk as a reminder to stop and check that I am giving all personality styles time and space to be successful and comfortable in my classroom.

 How has the week compared with other PD opportunities
you have attended?

• I am recharged and excited for Fall 2021. I was burnt out and this PD gave me the space to reflect on my personal goals/brand.
• I appreciated being treated like a professional
• I have found my marigolds!
• I am a big fish in a small pond of my district. It has been AMAZING to be inspired by kick ass teachers and to see options that are available to me.

I would like to gain confidence in my role as a leader. I am so excited for the tools I can put in my tool belt for my classroom, school, and district.