Anitha Raghavendra

Innovative middle school science teacher bringing 14-year background instructing students. Expertise in classroom oversight, course planning and behavior management. Successful at collaborating with teachers, administrative leaders and support specialists to meet individual student needs. Committed to encouraging higher order thinking to increase student performance.

Generates student enthusiasm for learning through individual connections and motivators. Empowers students through interactive learning, offering fun and educational lessons and exciting science demonstrations.

Highly developed computer skills and in-depth experience using technology in classroom to maximize learning experience. Conveys subject material in accessible and compelling formats.

Well-versed in utilizing diverse range of instructional strategies and immersive activities to foster student engagement. Cultivates welcoming learning environment to promote development learning objective achievement.

Member of New Jersey Science Teachers Association.

• Was selected to participate in the LR-MEL institute by Temple University, PA that provided training regarding "Teaching Students to Evaluate Sources and Claims.” The Institute explored and connected two types of curricular materials that deepen students' understanding of how to evaluate socio scientific issues, such as the climate crisis, energy use, and food security, using instructional scaffolds called Lateral Reading and Model-Evidence Link Diagrams.
• Was awarded the 2023 Maitland P. Simmons (MPS) Memorial Award to participate in the Summer Institute entitled Open SciEd Continued. The Open SciEd curriculum offers “free, high quality science instructional materials that are three-dimensional and centered on supporting equitable science sensemaking.” I explored engaging activities and tools to enhance student learning.
• Attended 2023 NJ Science Convention.
  The Convention is co-sponsored by New Jersey Science Teachers Association and
  New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association. I presented a few of science teaching strategies that I use in my classroom to fellow science teachers.
• Participated in professional development conducted by STEM teachers of NYC to learn in depth about assessment and standard based learning. I learned about Standard based grading that encourages a growth-mindset, practice-until-you-succeed approach to teaching and learning.
• Organized a family STEM Night along with scientists from TCS company in celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM night included hands-on activities designed to spark interest in STEM learning and computational thinking, keys to success in both future academic studies and in the 21st Century workforce.
• Coordinated with New Jersey Audubon Society to win the Healthy Children, Healthy Butterflies grant for my school. This grant provides garden focused lesson plans to a group of after-school students as well as installing a native garden. I was part of the weekly STEM program providing concepts related to local habitats, pollinators and gardening for wildlife, including a celebration with the community.