Digital Wish - Profile: Linda Petuch


Mrs. Linda Petuch

http://www.palmbeachschools.org/Schools/ElbridgeGale.htm
ElbridgeGale Elementary
Hometown:
Wellington
*Class Information:*
Students per Class: 18-25
Class Description:
Science Lab for Grades 2-5 I am on the "Fine Arts Wheel" so I see each class for 40 minutes every six school days.
Position:
Science Lab Teacher
Needs:
Besides more time...I have no student computers in my lab and could use student laptops for lessons that include computer access to websites or for recording data onto tables, charts or journal reflections. More immediately, I am hoping to do some podcasting about our school environment/outdoorclassroom and need all of the camera and recording equipment.
My Philosophy:
I have the highest expectations for my students so they can rise to the challenges presented to them. I think our children need to be curious, imaginative and lifelong learners who respect our Earth and all creatures of our home. I hope that in the future they will find a way, directly or indirectly, to support human exploration of space.
*Personal Information:*
About Me:
I am a complete "NASA Nerd". I take teacher workshops often, via online classes, and, at the various Educator Outreach Program facilities. I attend every rocket launch I can, and share the information with my students and staff before, during and after any launches. I LOVE our moon, Luna, and provide many research activities for my students to learn more about the moon's composition and the Constellation Program, as we begin our return to the moon. I have flown on the ZeroG airplane 9-30-08 and am still floating! This was a grant from "Northrup Grumman Weightless Flights of Discovery". I am hoping to repeat this one day with peers. Lessons with students about force and motion take on a whole new dimension after that experience!
Favorite Quotes:
I have a few to which I refer regularly, all by Albert Einstein: Imagination is more important than knowledge. I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right. If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough. Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death. *It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
Employment History:
I have taught Kindergarten- 8th grade and am a teacher trainer as well. I just love teaching, whatever the age or level.
Why Do I Teach?:
General Science Grades 2-5
Percent of Students are:
High-achiever: 4 %
Special Needs: 15 %
Percent of Students are:
White/Caucasian : 46 %
Hispanic: 30 %
African American: 18 %
Free/Reduced Lunch Program Enrollment:: 36 %
ESL Enrollment:: 6 %
Average number of students in class:: 20 students
Number of students I teach:: 700 students