Introduction
I have loved science since I was a young girl in Russia! When I was 16 years old, I took my first job at St. Petersburg State University research lab as a volunteer. I graduated from college and worked the next 20 years as a Scientist in Russia, Germany, Switzerland and the United States. In 1999 I recieved a PhD degree doing research on the genetics of photosynthetic pigments. After moving to the United States, getting married and starting a family I decided to dedicate my time to my 2 daughters and stopped working. Both girls have become competitive gymnasts and I started homeschooling them in 2017 to best meet their academic needs. Even though I no longer work outside of the home, science is still a huge part of my life. I enjoy volunteering to teach lessons at cooperative preschools, working with girl scouts, daycare children, and especially doing experiments at home with friends and family. Science is all around us and I want to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for it! In 2018 I taught my first Homeschool Science Class. It was a great succes and I am looking forward to working with your children!
Philosophy Statement
All children have the right to an education in which they explore academics as well as acquire life skills in a safe environment. They learn about the world, people around them, and themselves in the classroom. In my class, children will learn about science by actively participating in hands on experiments not just memorizing facts. They will make connections to every day life. Their attitude and curiosity for science will grow. It is my hope that I will instill a lifetime of interest in science in each student. I recognize each of my student’s unique and individual learning styles and continuously assess and monitor their needs so that I can help them excel academically and emotionally. I use a variety of teaching strategies to promote learning and to reach each student. I am supportive and well aware of the importance of incorporating the California State Content Standards into all instructional areas. As a teacher, I too continue to learn and to improve myself. Through my own education I have come to realize how privileged I am to work in the field of science. I intend to continue my own lifelong education in which I teach and learn from each and every student in my future classrooms.
