BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

NORMA BOAKES – Teacher of Mathematics for the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Teacher of Mathematics for the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School

Oakcrest High School Campus [Fall 1995 – Present]

• Subjects Taught: Algebra, Geometry, *Integrated Math (*Inclusion setting for special needs students mainstreamed into the general classroom.)

• Member of technology committee including Power Point presentations on the mathematics. Also working with current technology including new software, hardware, and the Computer Based Lab (CBL) system.

• Assist in Student Review Assessment process (SRA)

• Inclusion Process – Piloted and developed a program for Integrated Math classes. (See * above)

• Writing in Mathematics Workshop at Bard College – integrates writing into every day math

• Technology Workshop at Stockton State College of N.J. – trained on the software and hardware now accessible at our school.

• Internet Conference sponsored by Classroom Connect – received additional advanced training on web page design and the Internet.

• Selected to write and pilot a new Interdisciplinary Math & Science teaching approach and curriculum for the school years ’98 – ’99. This program includes classroom, labs, and team projects learning math/science technology through hands-on and experimentation methods. The classroom setting is specifically designed to include general, special education, and special needs students all working and learning together. (During these two years, I was also responsible for my normal teaching classes of General Mathematics, Algebra I & II, and Geometry.

Absegami High School Campus [Fall 1994 – 1995]

• Algebra

• Math Lab 1 & 4

• HSPT Workshop training on Math standards and preparation for the state-mandated exam.

• New Mathematics and Science Teachers Workshop at Rutgers State University in N.J. training in the techniques, shills, technology, and hands-on work needed in the classroom.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: [Fall 1994 – 1998]

• Served as band front advisor to the Absegami Marching Band and then to the Marching Ambassadors from Oakcrest High School. Both bands compete in field show competitions in the Fall and present concerts in the spring.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: [1998 to Present]

• Selected for the Math, Science & Technology Institute sponsored by A+ for Kids Network held at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (Summer ’98, Week-long Program)

• Selected and attended three week program sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association and NASA, entitled NASA Educational Workshop for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Teachers held at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

• NASA Space Experiment Module (SEM) Program. Two experiments developed for the Interdisciplinary Math & Science classes: Bubble Lab Adds Science and Technology (B.L.A.S.T.) and Silly Putty Longevity and Adaptability Testing (S.P.L.A.T.) Both experiments were housed in the S.E.M. container and flown on the STS-88 Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station. The experiment gave students a realistic problem-solving situation involving the scientific method and skills from their math/science class. This yearlong activity covered preflight and post-flight testing, as well as analysis of the results.
  Summer ’99 – Selected for and attended Park City Mathematics Institute by Rider University (NJ) site held in Park City, Utah. This three-week intensive math and technology program for high school math teachers, graduate and undergraduate students, and mathematics researchers involves two years and also includes meetings during the school year. (5 graduate credits per year)

• Attended grant-writing workshop at New Jersey Education’s Association convention

• Served as a judge for Stockton State College Science Fair in Pomona, N.J.

• Planned and spearheaded first annual Spaceweek 1999 celebration entitled “Reach for the Stars with Math & Science,” a week of activities related to math, science, and space. Highlights included lunar & meteorite samples borrowed from NASA, guest astronomer, and an open house showcasing student’s work and space shuttle experiment.

GRANTS:

• *N.J.B.I.S.E.C. (New Jersey Business, Industry, and Science Education Consortium) Grant – written to help fund a new program to celebrate Space Week 1999 ($400.00)

• McDonald’s Grant – written to help fund programs for Spaceweek 1999 ($500.00)

• Ralph Martin Foundation Grant – district-wide grant awarded to pilot a new extracurricular program entitled “Stargazers 2000” which will introduce astronomy into the curriculum and as an after school activity. ($750.00).
  *As a result of the work with Spaceweek 1999, I was chosen to go to Texas this August, and receive the Spaceweek International Teacher Award. This was given to one high school teacher. The award included a $500.00 cash grant and a limited edition Omega Moon Watch (This is the watch given to astronauts who go into Space.)

  In September 1999, I have been asked to speak and present a power point program during a two-day symposium at the Naval Academy in Annapolis in Maryland.

EDUCATION:

Rowan College of New Jersey formerly Glassboro State College
Undergraduate Work – Sept ’89 – May ‘93

• Major: Mathematics with secondary Education Certification

• Minor: French

• Graduated May 1993 – Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor of Arts Degree

• Studied overseas fall 1991 – 1’Universite des Etudes Francaise in Annecy, France

Graduate Work Rowan College Spring 1996 – Present

• Master of Arts – Subject Matter Teaching: Mathematics Completion – spring 2000 (two more courses)

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Summer 95 – present

• Member and Administrative Officer of the Absecon Island Power Squad

• Completed several boating courses including; Basic Boating, Seamanship, Piloting, Advanced Piloting, Officer’s Training, and I am presently taking Junior Navigation

• Member of the Mays Landing Yacht Club

• Treasurer of the United Methodist of Weymouth

Questions? Send e-mail to cal@ucar.edu
Broken links? Send e-mail to dpetter@ucar.edu

LAST UPDATED: 03/30/2000