This Is Me:
Name: Sylvia Shantakumari Arun Joseph
Position: 8th Grade Science Teacher, Gifted Magnet
Teaching Experience: 14 Years in total, and this is my first year with Porter Middle School
Education: B.S. in Physics Major with Mathematics and Chemistry minor, B.Ed. in Physical Science and Math,
M.Ed. in Education and IBDP
Email ID:[email protected]
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Hello! I am Sylvia Joseph, and I have been teaching middle school science for 14 years and this is my first year with Porter Middle School. My passion for science began at a young age, and now I’m excited to share that enthusiasm with my students every day. I believe that science is not just a subject but a way to explore the world around us, ask questions, and discover how things work. My goal is to make science fun, engaging, and accessible to all my students by using hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, and real-life examples to bring concepts to life.
In my classroom, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and embrace the scientific method. From studying the wonders of the universe to understanding the chemistry of everyday life, I strive to create an environment where curiosity is sparked, and learning is exciting.
Teaching Philosophy:
I believe that learning is most effective when students feel connected to the material. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the idea that students learn best when they can see the relevance of science to their own lives. I emphasize experiential learning and encourage my students to be inquisitive, creative, and independent thinkers. Science is a collaborative effort, and I foster a supportive classroom where students work together to explore and solve problems.
Why I Love Teaching:
Teaching middle school science is rewarding because every day is an opportunity to inspire young minds and ignite their love for discovery. Watching students grow in confidence and curiosity throughout the year is one of the best parts of my job. Whether we’re building model rockets, studying ecosystems, or investigating energy, I love seeing the excitement on students' faces as they connect with science.
Personal Interests:
When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me exploring the outdoors, reading the latest science articles, or working on fun experiments of my own. I also enjoy singing, playing guitar, playing badminton and spending time with my family. I believe that staying curious and continuing to learn are essential not just for my students but for me as a teacher as well.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or if you’d like to learn more about what we’re working on in class. I am always happy to connect with parents, guardians, and fellow educators.