Welcome to Teach Science With Fergy, please make yourself at home. Here’s a little about me.
Dream Job – The expected answer would be a teacher but I’d love to spend my time traveling with my family. Think ‘The Bucket List Family’.
My First Car – A White, 2000 Toyota Corolla.
Hidden Tallent – I’m actually a pretty good golfer. I started playing when I was young and can consistently shoot under 85. It won’t get me on the PGA Tour, but it’s something.
The Most Unusual Thing In My Office – I have a Yoda status that I bring out when my students write their tests. I tell them that he will bring them knowledge. This seems to help with their nerves.
My Favorite Sports Team – I’m a hardcore Toronto Maple Leafs fan!
My Guilty Pleasure – I love McFlurry’s from McDonald’s.
My Pet – I have a Scottish-terrier/poodle mix dog named Lexie. She’s a cutie.
What’s on My Bucket List? I want to travel the world with my wife when we’re a little older. Live somewhere for a month then go somewhere else. Europe is on the list as are parts of Asia. I also want to take my family and their future families on a vacation each year. Disney tops the list of destinations.
Throughout my teaching career, I have taught many students from many different backgrounds. I’ve taught Canadians, Americans, and Australians and what I’ve found is that each one of these kids needs to a) feel like they are important and what they say matters and b) what they are learning is applicable to the real world. I have done multiple Action Research projects which looked at technology in the classroom, the learning styles of boys vs. girls and how to improve engagement through a different approach to teaching.
I believe in an education based on applicability and engagement. I get my students involved in the learning process and this always brings them back for more. My assessments and instruction are based on current student interests and this drives their engagement in the material and desire to learn. Teaching needs to be about relating information but it’s how you relate that information that matters. Throughout my education, I have studied the means that best fit the different learning styles and genders and have tailored my lessons accordingly.