S. Ratel

My mission is to provide a challenging and accelerated course of study in science grounded in high academic standards. This isn’t just my mission, it’s also what I do. I work to nurture an environment that fosters creativity to support and develop student growth and self-actualization. My children are treated with care and respect. I value diversity and citizenship. My family atmosphere, designed to encourage and motivate is apparent in everything I do.

My curiosity and interest in the natural world is infectious to everyone who crosses my path. I model to facilitate learning by using fascinating materials to foster a love of science discovery, I distribute beautiful and interesting materials to spark curiosity, and I motivate children throughout the day. I encourage exploration to make learning accessible for all children. With me, students become active complex problem solvers by reflecting on experience from experimentation, where their ideas are made relevant in their community or world. I provide choices based on personal interests, and self-evaluation is commonplace. I use technology to meet diverse students’ needs to increase engagement and raise knowledge retention. 

We all know that children learn best when they engage in provocative, hands-on experiences that bring far-away places, fascinating creatures, and abstract concepts to life. …teachers like me share those experiences with students and their adults, making science memories that change lives, launch careers, and nurture future caretakers of our planet.