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About the Author

Welcome! I am Andrea Harris. I live with my husband, two high school daughters and son who attends elementary school. I teach middle school math, science and physical education. We love to run 5Ks together.
My students drove me to pursue my action research. Some of my students performed well out on the courts and fields of PE; however, they were not as successful in the classroom. A group of students seemed disengaged so I was determined to help underrepresented students make the long lasting connections in math, science and technology and wondered how inquiry-based learning would impact student engagement.
I envision a world where all students have a passion for learning. When dedicated, caring, creative educators and mentors incorporate innovative ideas, tools and strategies we can achieve this goal. Let us capture, embrace and mold the magnificent minds of these remarkable students.
My students drove me to pursue my action research. Some of my students performed well out on the courts and fields of PE; however, they were not as successful in the classroom. A group of students seemed disengaged so I was determined to help underrepresented students make the long lasting connections in math, science and technology and wondered how inquiry-based learning would impact student engagement.
I envision a world where all students have a passion for learning. When dedicated, caring, creative educators and mentors incorporate innovative ideas, tools and strategies we can achieve this goal. Let us capture, embrace and mold the magnificent minds of these remarkable students.
Reflections on your Journey

After receiving my Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Berkeley, I worked at a global technology company for 13 years. During that time I recruited in an HR role and then I taught adult learners in our Education and Learning division. Sometimes we could not successfully recruit nor find qualified talent for our vacant employment positions. Many times candidates were not prepared to meet the requirements of the job. Sometimes, they were not a good fit for the company’s culture. Other times the candidate lacked the persevering work ethic needed to succeed in the position.
I realized that it is truly the business world that is driving the need for 21st century skills development in students. So I decided to go back and transform the traditional classroom to reflect the experiences I included in my courses in the private sector. I will teach other educators to prepare our youth, particularly our underrepresented youth, for success in the global 21st century market.
I realized that it is truly the business world that is driving the need for 21st century skills development in students. So I decided to go back and transform the traditional classroom to reflect the experiences I included in my courses in the private sector. I will teach other educators to prepare our youth, particularly our underrepresented youth, for success in the global 21st century market.