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Alexander M. Saslow Home        Learn More        Standards        Inspiration        About the Author

Support and Next Steps


​Why I Started

I love being a teacher, and I love that Napa High School, where I am working, is open to trying new things.  I am, too.  With that in mind, the following is a completely stream-of-consciousness list of why I want to pursue my Masters in Education.
  • The achievement gap is a thing: many of my students come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • People always make a face when I tell them I'm a high school science teacher.  Very few people have rosy memories connected with high school science.  I want to show everyone that science is really, really cool.
  • Learning science teaches you how the world works, and everyone should know that.  Especially in a democracy, where our leaders are chosen by the electorate.  Our populace needs to be able to make reasonable decisions: they need education.
  • Science teaches skills that are helpful in all aspects of life.
  • I have yet to have a class without some students just "not getting" science.
  • A majority of studies agree that whatever the education system of California WAS doing: wasn't working.  Time for an upgrade.
  • I want to be the best teacher that I can be, and I can be better than now.
  • Because I'm a geek and nerd who likes learning.

What comes next

I will be presenting my Toolbox to my science department, and suggest that they at least use the NGSS Google Form to help them become more familiar with those standards.  I plan on becoming a major advocate on campus for PBL, PrBL, the CCSS, the NGSS, TPACK, and research based pegagogy.

Within my classroom I will try to implement more of the CCSS, the NGSS, and tech skills into every unit of instruction.  I plan on pushing myself with each unit, getting closer and closer to my ideal classroom.
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Research
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Design Process


​Thank You's

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I never would have been able to finish this program, and better my practice if it hadn't been for the amazing support of NapaLearns.  I encourage you to check out their website, and see what they are all about.