How does the APH teaching philosophy look in your classroom?
Education is not a formula. Learning happens in many directions simultaneously. My job as the education is to facilitate the learning process based upon where each student is. I believe that feedback is critical to exploring and engaging with new ideas and concepts, of which Chemistry has plenty. I love teaching Chemistry not due to its content but due to how it challenges students to think, problem solve and observe the natural world with greater appreciation.
What excites you about The Academy at Penguin Hall?
I left the chemistry classroom 25 years ago because I was one of those young educators who burnt out after 5 years of teaching. I just wasn’t ready to do that for the rest of my life! Now that I have so much more world and life experiences, I am really excited to bring what I have learned studying innovative learning environments to APH. I am really enjoying the dynamic energy of working in a school setting that is still a work in progress – as it should be.
Share something interesting about yourself.
I have been working through my bucket list and last year I got a “Big One” checked off – I got onto the Antiques Roadshow. In my free time, I work on home improvement projects, make Mini Lobster Traps and go deep sea fishing on the Yankee Fleet.
Rebecca Borden studied Art and PreMed at Williams College. She got her Masters and PhD in Education at the University of Virginia. She has worked on several arts and arts educational reforms efforts at the County, State and National levels in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA.