Dale ioannides

Tell us why you became a teacher

I started young, babysitting at 10 and teaching Sunday School at 14. Teaching was really, in my mind, what would come next. There have been a few years where I took a break from the classroom, serving as a STEAM and literacy coach. But, I always find myself back there.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One year, I invited our students to draw a representation of their favorite second grade moment. I drew a picture of me, conferencing with a student during Writer’s Workshop. The surprise came when a student drew themselves testing out the bellows that I brought to the classroom for blowing towers over in the Matter Challenge. My philosophy is to help students become experts in the field, covering NTSS standards. Even better when it connects to student reflection!

What would you do with the $25,000?

At our school, students become experts in national science standard topics. Materials that you don't think of, for example book sets for each class in each topic, would help to elevate the current Project Based Learning science program we use. Our current work connects us with organizations such as Piedmont Park and Monarch Watch, and we would be able to build on these connections to further serve the our greater community along with learning standards.