MRS. CUMMINSAbout Me

TEACHING EXPERIENCE I started teaching at a charter school in

Arizona back in 1996. It was an art school, so the students

majored in areas such as painting, music, dance, pottery, etc.

All students at the school had to take science to graduate, so that’s where I came in.

I taught biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science!

AFTER THE CHARTER SCHOOL… I transferred to a comprehensive high

school in AZ because I wanted to be involved in sports. I was the head coach for girls cross country

and an assistant coach for track and field. Luckily, I only taught biology (instead of 4

different science classes)!

9-11•After 9-11, I enlisted in the Army for 3 years. •I was a combat medic (basically and Army EMT).•Enlisting in the Army was a great experience and I am very glad I made that choice!

That’s me!

AFTER THE ARMY.. I relocated to Las Vegas and started

teaching Biology again for CCSD. I have taught Biology I, Biology I-Honors,

AP Biology, and even Criminalistics (Forensic Science).

I looooovvveee biology! I have taught at Coronado HS,

Centennial HS, and Advanced Technologies Academy (A-Tech).

2008 In 2008, I received a

very awesome award: Biology Teacher of the Year for the state of Nevada! It was a great honor to

be recognized by the state of NV and the National Association of Biology Teachers for all of the work I have done for biology students in NV (CCSD).

A YEAR AWAY… I have been out of NV for a year in the

deep south state of Mississippi. I had the chance to meet and work with

biology students in a small, rural school. I learned a lot about what school and life

is like for students who do not have the same benefits as students at a typical school in CCSD or AZ or many other more well-off places I have visited.

You are lucky to have the resources and opportunities you do in CCSD~~be thankful!

PROFESSIONAL I am licensed to teach biological

sciences in Nevada and Mississippi. I am a member of the National Science

Teachers Association, the National Association of Biology Teachers, and the Southern Nevada Science Teachers Association, along with several professional societies for educators.

MORE ABOUT MY TEACHING I have been teaching for 15 years, 9 in

CCSD. I have spent the last 6 years in the CTA

schools, transferring to AVHS from West CTA.

I am a certified PLTW BMS teacher. I taught the full sequence of the

Biomedical Sciences program at West CTA for the last four years.

Over the years I have taught about 14 different science courses, but Biology is my favorite class to teach!

PERSONAL I have two

young children who attend elementary school and middle school in the northwest part of town.

PERSONAL I am married to my high school

sweetheart.

PERSONAL I went to school

at Arizona State University (go Sun Devils!).

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Zoology.

PERSONAL I also have my

Master’s degree in secondary science curriculum and instruction from UNLV.