My path to becoming a teacher was quite convoluted. Teaching was never a profession I set out for, but towards the end of my academic career it became obvious that it was where I was headed. My initial career goals involved conservation and restoration management, which is what I had in mind when I earned my Masters of Biology in Ecology and Evolution. However, during my Masters work I worked as a teaching assistant (TA) at UNL where I taught several classes and labs. I fell in love with teaching and my career objectives changed.
My educational background, hobbies, and interests definitely enrich my passion for science which in turn enrich my classroom. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast and seek adventures whenever I can; back country backpacking, hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, traveling, trying new things, nature photography, and the list goes on! My mission in the classroom is to help students connect the concepts they learn about in the classroom to things surrounding them in the life outside of school. It is by that connection that students can have their interests piqued and their understanding deepened!
Professional Experience
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Graduate Studies in Curriculm & Instruction
June 2009-Present
Doane College - Lincoln, NE
Accelerate Teaching Certification Program
July 2010
Doane College - Lincoln, NE
Master of Science - Ecology & Evolution
December 2008
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
May 2002
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Diploma - High School
May 1997
Scotus Central Catholic High School - Columbus, NE
PUBLICATIONS
Miles, E.K., & Knops, J.M.H. (2009) Grassland compositional change in reation to the identity of the dominant matrix-forming species. Plant Ecology & Diveristy 1: 1-11.
Miles, E.K., & Knops, J.M.H. (2009) Shifting dominance from native C4 to non-native C3 grasses: Relationships to community diversity. OIKOS 118: 1844-1853.
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“All genuine learning is active, not passive.
It involves the use of the mind, not just the
memory. It is a process of discovery, in which
the student is the main agent, not the teacher.”
-M.J. Adler, The Paideia Proposal