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Kellie McKenzie

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Mr. Martin Teachworth
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LA Jolla Senior High School
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Class Information:
Room Number: 903
Students per Class: 250
Class Description:
Teaching is about students being treated as unique individuals that rise and succeed when challenged. Students are treated as if they were my own children, they must work, succeed and be treated with humor and respect. I teach about 150 to 200 students in Regular, Advanced and Advanced Placement (C) Physics. The approach with all the students is HANDS ON and ACTIVE THINKING. Students are taught and learn concepts using real life examples which apply as much as possible to everyday life. Students do labs and projects to practice and apply concepts and equations so they develop long lasting understandings instead of just memorizing then forgetting. I actively use WICR techniques from AVID training. I am the lead staff developer for the AVID Science Strand and train trainers as well as other science teachers during the year and summer. My teaching techniques are effective, work with students and have been recognized through awards I have received at the local, state and national levels. I coach and teach from 50 to 100 students in a class called Science Research Techniques (SRT). The SRT class is unusual as it meets outside the normal school day. Students are actually part of the La Jolla High School Science Team. They may earn and academic letter (like an athletic letter) as well as a grade in SRT. More importantly, they make life long friends by taking part in service projects, tours, internships, social events, science competitions and developing leadership skills. SRT students range from grades 9 to 12. A leadership committee helps decide and lead activities. Active students learn science is more than learning from a book or taking part in a class. Students have developed interests in many fields of science and engineering as well as learning to enjoy aspects of science then incorporating that enjoyment in a non-tradiational science career. Over the past 17 years at La Jolla High School, my students have won a number of local, state and national awards and competitions. Students have earned over $130,000 in scholarships, awards and trips in just the last five years. The students have ranged from all grade levels and all the cultural and soci-economic groups on campus.
Position:
Science Teacher
Needs:
The largest need for the physics and SRT courses are still and video digital cameras, quality photo printers and ink, modern computers capable editing and creating video or photo projects. Students in physics and SRT are asked to develop projects for both school assignments and local, state and national competitions. Starting in September of 2007, the physics and SRT students will be combining talents and skills with students in autoshop, photography and graphic arts to convert from one to three gasoline fueled cars to electric vehicles. Teachers of the courses will use the conversion project as a central theme to inspire students to work as teams to learn, process, record progress then create brochures, DVDs and a written record of the conversion. The final project will be overseen by the leadership students in SRT. The completed information will be duplicated and shared with all the high schools in San Diego County.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am entering my 29th year of teaching science. I love what I do in and out of class. I have a loving wife, two sons and a daughter. I am involved with more activities than any normal human should, but love to be involved, provide and share leadership, abilities and resources. I teach Physics in school, call the JV and Freshman Football games, consult for a science center, act on the board of a grassroots science education association organization (SDSEA), am a board member of Gateways (a summer school program of enrichment classes), am a lead curriculum developer for AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination) and train trainers and teachers on how to better teach and encourage students to rise to challenges, learn science, attend college and become successful and well as coach the La Jolla High School Science team. My oldest son is married to his high school sweetheart (they met through the Science Team at La Jolla High School). He is an electrical engineer (with a start-up in Silicon Valley), she is a mechanical engineer (a real Rocket Scientist for Lockheed-Martin). My middle child is a senior at Monterey Bay State University. He is majoring in Human Health and Wellness with a minor in Nutrition. He is funny and is like a BIG teddy bear, but has two black belts (so be nice to the teddy bear). He wants to coach or work with people to help them develop and reach their potential. My daughter is a senior in high school and drives her father crazy. She will do well, but needs to developing a burning desire and interest. Hopefully she finishes her Gold Award this year and gets into Whittier College (where she hopes to go)
Activities:
I teach, I help others, I enjoy life and all its challenges.
Favorite Books:
Classic Science Fiction The Moon is a Harsh Mistress - Heinlein - TANSTAAFL Harry Potter Series - Rowling - High Technology is equal to Magic
Favorite Quotes:
TANSTAAFL - There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch Anything worth doing is worth doing well and having fun doing it. There is no such thing as a free dog. Freedom plus Security equals a Constant.
Interests:
Working with my children and supporting their interests, teaching, gardening, remodeling, role playing games, being a Jack of all Trades in abilities and interests
Why Do I Teach?:
Teachers are the glue of society. They are a common feature for all the population and serve to instill the basic ideals of citizenship, service and knowledge. I was the first to graduate from high school in my family, let alone go to college. I had no help from the teachers or counselors I had in school and bumbled along. I want NOT ONE of my students to not succeed because no one takes an interest or supports them. Science is the basis of our society, a college degree is the basis of success. I support all students to pass and excel in my class and school in general. I make sure all my students learn of internships, jobs, grants, scholarships and any opportunity to help them graduate, attend college and hopefully have a science or engineering career. Some of them will be the leaders of tomorrow and will hopefully lead and take of society in productive, useful and wise ways.