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Mrs. Pamela Breitberg
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Zapata Academy
Class Information:
Room Number: 213 Science Lab
Students per Class: 850+-
Class Description:
I teach the first through eighth graders in their science lab. All students see me once a week for 40 minutes of hands-on science concept learning. This reinforces their classroom science learning. There are about 30 students per class.
Position:
Lead Science Teacher
Needs:
In order to allow all students to actively experience science we need materials in sets of 10; so small groups of three can use the digital technology and experience science using today's technology and methodology.
Personal Information:
About Me:
I am a National Board Certified teacher, early adolescent science. I have taught science and reading and now act as the lead science teacher for Zapata Academy which sees me teach science lab to all 1st-8th graders plus support a spiraling science curriculum in the classrooms. I am also a nature/wildlife photographer - after having been a professional portrait photographer for 22 years prior to becoming a teacher seven years ago. Technology and digital imaging and manipulation is an active part of my life personally and in my classroom as much as possible. I have k-9 Illinois teaching certificate with endorsements for middle school science, math, language arts, and social studies. I also work with Illinois Virtual High school creating curriculum for online learning. I have worked with a company to write animations of science concepts for Discovery.
College and Degrees:
Master Degree (M.ED.) from National Louis University, 2003; B.S. of Education from Drake University, 1973; and also National Board Certification 2006.
Activities:
I engage students of all ages in inquriy based science activities. Younger students have activities are that teacher directed; older students work toward student driven inquiry by the end of 7th grade or earlier if able. I lead a student run, written, and distributed Science newspaper; a place for students to have a voice and share science or math related editorials, stories, poems, comics and art. This is an afterschool program possible through a grant I recieved. I also work to maintain our school garden with student volunteers using plants, seeds and bulbs donated through GreenCorps. Outside of school I tend my own perrenial garden but also actively engage in wildlife photography in particular native and restored prairies in Illinois.
Favorite Books:
I'm trying to broaden my reading to include novels as well as the many photography and science books and magazines. I loved Enders Game. Ann Zwinger and John Muir are favorite authors of mine as well. And this summer have enjoyed a collection of O'Henry short stories. I'm currently reading To Engineer Is Human. So my reading ranges from science fiction to traditional to nonfiction.
Favorite Quotes:
Einstein said many wonderful things; I especially like:"The aim (of education) must be the training of independently acting and thinking individuals who, however, can see in the service to the community their highest life achievement". and "Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty".
Interests:
Photography, wild life, image manipulation, helping others including my students and peers!
Why Do I Teach?:
It is "me" to want to help others learn and grow as individuals. I am gifted with empathy and patience as well as an ability to engage learners. I want my students to feel good about learning and themselves and to enjoy questioning life so they continue learning on their own.