The role of a teacher in society is to foster a sense of curiosity and creativity, support the development of critical thinking, and encourage the holistic development of the students as they become productive and engaged members of society.”
Ian’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Physics
Why Physics
“I chose physics because I felt an immediate connection to the content of the physics curriculum and I felt that it was the area where I could make the biggest impact. The discipline of physics allows for the ultimate combination of student inquiry, critical thinking, hands-on-learning, project-based instruction, and quantitative literacy in the science context.”
Professional Experience
During his undergraduate studies, Ian served as a physics learning assistant, physics tutor, and lab assistant at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. Ian completed an internship at the University of Rochester, where he got to study third-order bi-nodal astigmatism in the Hilbert Telescope. Additionally, he completed an internship at the University of Washington, Seattle, where he worked on validating a probe for quantitative literacy in algebra-based physics students.
Ian will begin his first year of teaching physics, chemistry, and AP Physics at New London High School in New London, Wisconsin, during the 2023–2024 school year.
Hobbies
In his free time, Ian enjoys all sorts of exercise and outdoor activities. He regularly works out at the gym and goes on hikes. He has extended his love for sports into coaching, and will work as a football coach at New London High School during the 2023–2024 school year. Ian hopes to continue this momentum with other sports or activities, such as the Science Olympiad. He enjoys traveling and has visited over 10 countries. He also loves to collect books on the subjects of physics and teaching.
Academic Background
- University of Wisconsin, River Falls (Bachelor of Science in Physics Education and Graduate School Track Physics)