Surfing the Solar System

Teaching Practice:
Surfing the Solar System

INTRODUCTION

I earned my National Board Certification in the Middle Childhood Generalist Area in 1999. This year, I teach a combination class of seven third graders and 18 second graders at South Topsail Elementary School, a public school in Hampstead, North Carolina. I teach all the core subjects with the exception of music, art and physical education.

Hampstead is a small rural beach community located about 15 miles from Wilmington, North Carolina, a rapidly-growing mid-sized university town. Several nearby beach communities and a small community called Scots Hill also feed into our school of approximately 450 students.

Four of the students in my class receive special education services and 11 participate in the gifted program. 24 of my students are Caucasian and one is African-American. All of my students have a computer at home and 95% of them have access to the Internet.

Introduction

The Lesson

Professional Standards

Content Standards

Assessment

Student Work

Reflections

Resources

Step Guides

Technology

Professional Development

Candidate Support

Author: Julie Cox, NBCT
School: South Topsail Elementary
Organization: Pender County School District, North Carolina

Credits: Susan Lanier, Teacher Assistant

Cora Jones, Principal, South Topsail Elementary School

My students and their parents in the class of 2001-2002

My friend and colleague, Pat Holliday, for always being there when I need her.

Apple Computer for their training, equipment, and technical support

AT&T Foundation for its generous financial support

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards for its vision and support

Lynne Wyly,
Digital Edge Project Manager,
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Laura Jones
Teacher in Residence

For comments or questions, please contact:

Email: ljones@nbpts.org