General Information
My name is Kevin Smith and I am a middle school science teacher in Pennsylvania. I am dual certified in General Science, grades 7-12 and Mathematics, grades 6-9. I love teaching middle school science and mathematics. I incorporate web video technology, blogs and online classrooms into my teaching of science and mathematics. I have been nominated for the district technology award for the past two years. Click here to read a PDF summary of this award.
I have continued my studies in science education and have earned 18 post graduate credits in various classes for my professional development. I also earned my Graduate Gemologist ( G.G.) degree in New York City form the Gemological Institute of America. I have continued my studies with graduate level statistics classes. I am currently enrolled in an online programming class in Python programming at Udemy. I am also learning the Bisaya language using a Filipina language tutor through Skype. Read about it here and here.
Teaching is a second career for me as I was employed as a scientist in the New Jersey pharmaceutical industry. I worked in a quality control lab environment testing many of the raw materials. I also worked as a junior scientist in the semiconductor industry, working with and developing photoresist. While working as a scientist, I became interested in becoming a science and mathematics teacher.
My background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Rutgers University in New Jersey and an Master of Education in Science Education from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. My academic background and prior work experience give me a deep understanding of the role of the science teacher and this helps me to come up with many hands-on lesson plans that integrate both mathematics and science. I consider myself to be a scientist and teacher and also an amateur mathematician.
I am married to a Filipina and have been to the Philippines five times. We have a six year old daughter and a two year old son.
Here is a visualization of my resume.
Here is a link to my LinkedIn profile
Here is a short video of me teaching science in a public school in Mindanao, Philippines.
References – What they said…
1 “After being in Mr. Smith’s class for two years, I realize now how much he has taught me. He showed me how interesting and fun math and science is. He opened me up to a completely new world that I never knew existed.” student T. H. See full reference here.
2 “ You have really made Algebra so much more fun then I had even imagined it could be. I have looked forward to your class every afternoon. I think your teaching and help will truly aid me in … “ student C.S. See full reference here.
3 “ Talked with a parent who “sang your praises”! She said YOU were the only teacher who was able to get math to click with her child last year. You didn’t just cover the book, you tended to the child. You explained … “ Admin. N.L. See full reference here.
4 “ You are one of the best teachers I’ve every had, because you made learning fun. Not only did you teach me algebra, but also to have confidence in myself. I’ll never forget you and … “ student S. See full reference here.
5 “ Kevin maintained a very difficult balance between introductory and advanced material, tailoring the course to meet the needs of this particular group of students. … As a former principal, I am always pleased to see highly effective, dedicated teachers working with our young people. I believe that Kevin is such a person.” Summer Institute for the Gifted, Executive Director P.S. See full reference page 1 , page 2 .
