Teacher
CARLY E THOMAS SCIENCE EDUCATOR
MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Teacher as Guide
It is my belief that a teacher should act as a guide, helping students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills through a variety of tasks. This would include debates, scientific inquiry, projects and data analysis. It is my responsibility as a teacher to expose my students to different cultures, worldviews and ways of knowing and to teach them that all are valuable. Using technology and examples from the world around us, my goal is to help my students understand our interdependence with all the organisms of the Earth. This understanding, paired with a view to global ecology and rising to the challenge of living sustainably would help my students to become global citizens and lifelong learners.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
In & Out of the Classroom
DP BIOLOGY & INTEGRATED SCIENCE TEACHER
August 2019Â - present
As the DP Biology teacher I am responsible for planning and delivering the IB DP Biology content to both my SL & HL students over the two years of the IB program. In grades 9 & 10 we are designing and implementing an NGSS program that will prepare our students to tackle any of the DP science courses offered at RAS.
DP BIOLOGY & MYP SCIENCE TEACHER
August 2018 - June 2019
As the DP Biology teacher I was responsible for teaching both Year 1 and Year 2 DP Biology students at both the HL and SL levels. With a focus on laboratory skills and preparing students for the IB exam. I also taught MYP science from grades 6-10 including units on Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry & Physics. Backwards design to prepare students for the DP was a key component of my course planning.
SCIENCE TEACHER &
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
July 2012 - June 2016
As the founding science teacher at Nansha College Preparatory Academy in Guangzhou, China I played an integral role in the development of the science program at this American-style school for Chinese students. I taught Grade 9 Integrated Science, Grade 11 Biology, AP Environmental Science as well as a variety of electives. As Department Chair I was responsible for ordering all the materials for the entire department, overseeing the teaching assistants, lab renovations and acting as the link between the science teachers and the administration team.
FRENCH IMMERSION
SCIENCE & MATH TEACHER
September 2008 - June 2012
As a French Immersion teacher at T.A. Blakelock High School in Oakville, Ontario, Canada I taught a variety of courses in French and English. I taught Grade 9 & 10 science in both French and English as well as Grade 11 Biology and Environmental Science in English. Within the Modern Languages department I taught several French language arts courses to students at various levels of French language proficiency.
HEAD COUNSELLOR & HEAD OF CANOE/KAYAK PROGRAM
Summers 2008 - 2011Â & 2013
Camp Kodiak is an integrated summer program for children and teens with and without Learning Disabilities, ADHD and high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. At Camp Kodiak my role was to support my campers and fellow counsellors to be successful in a variety of social and physical activities. As the head of canoe/kayak my role was to develop and implement a canoe and kayak program that allowed campers of a variety of skill levels and learning challenges to be successful.
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Technology, EAL, Outdoor Education & Learning Disabilities
TEACHING SPECIALIZATIONS
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
In December 2015 I completed the COETAIL (Certificate of Educational Technology and Information Literacy) program, which includes five graduate-level courses in Technology integration for classroom teachers.
I am a firm believer in the potential of technology to change how we teach and more importantly, how students learn. It is part of our responsibility as teachers to support our students in learning how to use technology appropriately and effectively.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
In Spring 2015 I completed the third course required for the World Language Initiative English as an Additional Language Certificate Program from International School Services & Seton Hall University.
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This series of courses included instruction on EAL strategies for classroom teachers, Curriculum and Assessment for EAL learners as well as English linguistics.
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After completing these courses and spending four years teaching in a 100% EAL school I feel that I have a solid foundation in how to scaffold, assess and support English Language Learners in my classroom.
NATURE-BASED OUTDOOR EDUCATION
As part of my Bachelor of Education degree at Queen's University I completed a focus on Nature-Based Environmental Education which included coursework, supplementary training and a placement.
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I have since continued to use and develop strategies and tools for nature-based outdoor education with my students. I have completed the Project Wild teacher certification program and have implemented their activities into my classroom for many years at the Grade 9 & 10 level as well as with students in AP and upper year science courses.
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There is so much that students can learn from interacting with nature and I hope to always include it in my teaching.
TEACHING STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
I have spent five summers working at Camp Kodiak, a very unique camp for children with learning disabilities, social and behavioural disorders.
It was at Camp Kodiak working with the Academics program and running the Canoe & Kayak program that I really learned how to apply the various theories of special education to working with campers and students.
I firmly believe that all students can succeed with the right support and tools. I feel that it is important to teach students with learning disabilities to self-advocate and work with their teachers to find ways they can learn effectively and demonstrate their learning.
