Hiking, Paddle boarding, Cooking, Reading, Genealogy, Logic Puzzles and Travel
Karen Beckler
Middle School Science Teacher
Mount Vernon,ME
Summary
Experienced Middle School Teacher successful at building positive relationships to support student success. Open and clear communicator and creative problem-solver. Passionate about teaching students by integrating disciplines and exploring the natural world. Experience in supporting students of all abilities and styles to reach academic goals. Highly qualified, and National Board Certified with over 28 years in classroom environments. Promotes social and emotional gains through modeling and respectful classroom culture.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Grade 7 Math and Science Teacher
Vassalboro Community School
Vassalboro, Maine
07.2022 - Current
- Integrated mathematical practices and science topics to increase student engagement and connection.
- Used Envision Math resources and mathematical reasoning approach to facilitate learning.
- Used NWEA and Savvas diagnostic data to identify gaps and target instruction.
7th & 8th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
M.S.A.D. #11
Gardiner, ME
09.1994 - Current
- Engaged middle school students through labs, presentations, discussions, cooperative learning activities and demonstrations.
- Established positive rapport with students and parents through home calls, emails, newsletters, Team Facebook group and school events and activities.
- Integrated Google Classroom, PearDeck, PhET simulations, and other technologies into classroom instruction.
- Lead professional development courses in Assessment for Learning, Talk Moves, and other programs. Shared resources and lessons in online communities.
- Evaluated curriculum materials and refined instructional practices through work with UMO's RISE center for Research in STEM Education.
- Developed schedules, collaborated with grade level colleagues and established routines and protocols as Middle Level Team Leader.
- Boosted student proficiency on MEA assessments to over 80%.
- Partnered with non-profit agencies (GMRI, UNH - Forest Watch, Maine Tree Foundation, Friends of Cobbossee) to provide real-world scientific data collection and communication projects.
- Coached math team and Odyssey of the Mind teams.
Science Curriculum Consultant
RISE Center - U. Me - Orono
Orono, ME
09.2013 - 06.2018
- Collaborated with other middle level science teachers and U.Maine faculty to discover student misconceptions and design targeted instruction.
- Piloted science curriculum programs and implemented EQuIP protocol to assess programs and NGSS alignment.
- Collected and analyzed data on program effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Trained to become a facilitator for "Assessment for Learning" and "Talk Science" programs.
Afterschool Tutor
Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Gardiner
Gardiner, ME
09.2012 - 06.2014
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills and correct weaknesses.
- Communicated with parents via daily progress tracking.
Education
Master of Science - Education
University of Maine - Orono
Orono, ME 06.2001 - 05.2005
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education - Biology
University of Maine - Farmington
Farmington, Maine 09.1991 - 05.1994
Medical Laboratory Technology
University of Maine At Augusta
Augusta, ME 09.1988 - 05.1990
Skills
- Curriculum planning
Accomplishments
Achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Science Teaching - Examined teaching practices and implemented professional growth plans.
Certification
- K-8: State Of Maine Teaching Certification -
Interests
Professional Contributions
Middle School Math Team coach
Odyssey of the Mind (Creative Problem Solving) coach
Professional Learning Committee (Certification) - Building Representative
Student/Homeroom Advisor
Faculty Representative - District Academic Audit
Middle School Team Leader
Item Review panelist - Maine Science MEA
Trained Students for Vital Signs program at Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Citizen Science program trainer for University of New Hampshire Forest Watch Program
Timeline
- K-8: State Of Maine Teaching Certification -
07-2026
- State of Maine - 7-12 Certificate: 395 (Biological Science)
07-2026
- National Board Certified Teacher - Early Adolescent Science
12-2024
Grade 7 Math and Science Teacher
Vassalboro Community School
07.2022 - Current
Science Curriculum Consultant
RISE Center - U. Me - Orono
09.2013 - 06.2018
Afterschool Tutor
Boys And Girls Club Of Greater Gardiner
09.2012 - 06.2014
Master of Science - Education
University of Maine - Orono
06.2001 - 05.2005
7th & 8th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher
M.S.A.D. #11
09.1994 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education - Biology
University of Maine - Farmington
09.1991 - 05.1994
Medical Laboratory Technology
University of Maine At Augusta
09.1988 - 05.1990
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