 |
 |
|
Dr. Alberto J. Rodriguez Science Education San Diego State University, Policy Studies in Language and Cross-Cultural Education, San Diego, CA 92182-1152 Email: arodrigu@mail.sdsu.edu |
I am interested in exploring how sociotransformative constructivism can be used as a theoretical framework that merges multicultural education (a theory of social justice) with social constructivism (a theory of learning.) In other words, my work is located right in the middle of a rocky terrain--the terrain where praxis means ideas + words = transformative action. Therefore, this requires one to have the courage of practicing what one is preaching. In my case, the struggles I encounter in my academic life very much reflect those I face in my everyday life as a father of two children attending public schools, as a Latino, and as a Latino in science education. Both, personal and academic lives, are are sources of inspiration and information to continue working toward social justice. I'm deeply committed to working toward equity in science education, and I believe fellow teachers play a crucial role in this endeavor. We can help each other be effective agents of social change. I welcome opportunities to work with all those who believe that long-lasting change in science education is needed, and indeed, possible. | |
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * | |
 |
Andrew Gilbert, Graduate Assistant |
I began my teaching career in Fairfax County, Virginia in 1993 where I taught Earth Science at the ninth grade level for two years. This was followed by one year of Physical Science at the eighth grade level at which time I entered a masters program full-time. My research experience began as a geology student at East Carolina University, where I taught freshman geology lab classes for one year before transferring to the Science Education department in 1997. After completing my Master's degree (which focused on institutional racism and tracking in rural Earth Science classroom) I taught for one year in the Montgomery County Public School system in a highly diverse urban community setting. This was an extremely rewarding year for me both academically and professionally. At the end of that year, I was offered a research position at New Mexico State University to work on the Pathways grant. My responsibilities range from data collection, to classroom facilitator or just whatever needs to be done. My research interests center around issues pertaining to institutional racism, multicultural science, and more importantly how research can help alleviate some of the problems for students and teachers rather than just describe problems with our educational system. | |
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * | |
|
Feliciano Mendosa |
For several years, I was the Science and Math Coordinator for an urban community in the desert Southwest where I was responsible for supporting teachers with innovative science and math curriculum from kindergarten to the University level. I recently returned, to the role of classroom teacher and focus closely on my mathematics research as well as continuing to teach at the university level. I have taught for over twenty years ranging from elementary to university level and everything in between. | |
