Utah Science Teachers Association
From Your Representative
I started teaching 21 years ago and I will never forget how excited and simultaneously unsure I was about how to do everything ! I had two other biology colleagues who were successful, experienced and loved by students. They were both willing to give advice and lend supplies "if" I asked. but I quickly found that they operated pretty independent of each other and I hated to seem to needy. We all taught a different scope and sequence and to be honest, I felt asking questions made me appear weak. As a result, I very rarely involved them in my process.

The point of this walk down memory lane, is that teaching looks SO DIFFERENT today than it did two decades ago! Today collaboration is the name of the game! Why reinvent the wheel, or work in isolation when we can easily communicate and collaborate with individuals all over the globe! One of my current collaborations involves 4,286 other AP Biology teachers who communicate daily on Facebook and through a shared google drive. One of the best things about it, is seeing that teachers everywhere are having very similar experiences. It is validating and encouraging to know that there are others who understand exactly what I am experiencing and are ready to share ideas, or at least a virtual shoulder to cry on.

So where are you? do you have a good school team? are you a singleton in content, or a single teacher teaching all content? whatever your situation, let UtSTA be part of your collaborative experience. Teaching is an amazing profession and one that really is better if we come out of isolation. So starting now, consider me and UtSTA your team members. Whatever you need, there is a way for us to support you. In this edition, I will be highlighting collaboration opportunities starting with promoting the Associations Facebook and twitter resources.

Lets Collaborate....
Michelle Ormond
UtSTA High School Representative
EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT
Mindy Hinckley
I love to spend time in other people's classrooms, so it was an absolute gift to spend some time with Mindy and her current student teacher last week.
Mindy is a powerhouse! Students love her, she is persistently positive and has a goofy sense of humor, which is evidenced in posters, presentations and assignments.

Here is a little more about Mindy!
Personal Background
I grew up in Utah and graduated from Pleasant Grove High School. Being a mom to 4 of the greatest boys/men is the biggest accomplishment of my life. I love to bike, hike and be with my children.   
Professional Background:
 I graduated with my bachelors from BYU and my masters from WGU.  
What are you currently teaching?
 I currently teach at Skyridge High. I teach Biology; BIO1010 and APBiology/BIO1615
What other responsibilities do you have at your school/In the science community?
 I am Department Chair; NHS Adviser; Vision for Leadership Team and Graduation Committee 
Awards/recognition
USTA Rookie Science Teacher
Teacher of the Year (Westlake)
Deseret News Teacher of the Week
Spirit of Alpine at Westlake and Skyridge
Lead Facilitator WHS Associate
Why do you teach?
Who wouldn't want to teach teenagers science? I love teaching students that the science processes can be used in their every day life. I also love making a positive impact on student's lives.  
What are the biggest challenges you face as a teacher?
 Time. There aren't enough hours in the day to do everything that is required, needed, and desired in the classroom.  
What new “thing” have you tried this year that has been amazing.
 Interactive Notebooks! They are amazing. My students have been much more organized than in the past.  ( See link below fore
What advice would you give a new teacher or someone who is thinking about entering the profession?
1) Be human, not a robot.  
2) Smile, students like it.  
3) Fair doesn't mean equal.
Congratulations
Scott A. Brady, Whitney Beckstead, Lisa Craig, Douglas Pusey
Let UtSTA come to you!
I am currently looking for my next site visit to meet and spotlight a UtSTA teacher or team. email me at mormond@utsta.org I am willing to travel (I love road trips) and excited to meet the amazing
9-12 grade teachers in Utah.
highschool_classroom.jpg
Where will you be on February 9th? Join us at our UtSTA winter conference and banquet. Registration and session information can be accessed at the UtSTA Website
Collaboration and Resources
Tutorial for how to join and participate in #utedchat
Join #utedchat every Wednesday night for a discussion on the latest and greatest in education.
 
 
Saturday, March 3
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. ET
Register  before February 16 and Save $10!
Are you interested in Educational Technology? UCET is holding our annual conference at the University of Utah. This conference provides many hands-on breakout sessions on ways to utilize technology in teaching and learning, and is perfect for educators of every grade level or subject area who are interested in technology integration. Last year over 1300 educators attended the conference to particpate, present, and lead activities. The theme for the March conference is “YOUcet”.
What would you do with a laboratory 
in the palm of your hand?
‌
Upcoming Events
  • February 9th UtSTA conference and Awards Banquet
Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn