Paying It Forward and Being Available are Science Teacher's Keys to Student Success

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Beginning Sept. 1, TTU K-12 hired full-time subject matter experts in each of the core areas to lead their section and assist the dozens of part-time teachers who make up the instructional staff.

Karin Busby is the department head for the sciences. Passionate about the subject, she is in her first year with TTU K-12, but her 15th year in science education.

Although she teaches four courses for TTU K-12 (biology, chemistry, physics, and forensic science), Busby says she's taught "lots of science," including fifth through eighth grade science; integrated physics and chemistry, and Principles of Technology. She has also taught third grade reading and fourth grade math.

Being a newcomer to online teaching, Busby explained why she pursued the position.

"I love the idea of online learning. So many of our students today need the flexibility and the security of learning at their own pace," she said. "TTU K-12 is a leader in this field, and I wanted to work with the best. TTU K-12 takes pride in developing quality instruction while honoring a student's need to pace themselves."

Busby believes all students can learn any content but a student's success is dependent on some specific things.

"A student's success hinges on the ability to practice, make corrections and have ample instruction within multiple ways. TTU K-12 offers multiple modes for learning, so I make sure students are given ample time to practice, make mistakes and correct those to increase conceptual understanding."

Busby says her favorite moment in teaching is when a student grasps a difficult concept they have struggled with.

"There is a moment when their eyes open wide, and you can imagine the gears locking together and then going into overdrive as all the pieces suddenly make sense."

Even with years of teaching experience, Busby knows there are certain challenges that accompany online instruction.

"So much of learning requires a student to vocalize their thinking and ask questions. That is very difficult in online learning communities where students are less able to ask questions," she explained. "I look for patterns in students' work to see where the 'hidden questions' are, and then I try to reach out to the student to gather a new explanation. Learning is a partnership. The student and I need to work together for success."

One practical tip Busby offers to the TTU K-12 online students is how to message her and other instructors directly.

"On the left side of the course, near my grades, is a message button. Don't feel like you can only send a message when you are struggling; ask any question of your instructors," she emphasized. "I love to communicate about science concepts and help students learn more about a subject I am passionate about. You read something cool, share it with us! We would love to know more about things that interest you and how the content we are teaching connects to you personally."

Finally, Busby shared her motivation for doing what she does so well.

"Educators get the rare opportunity to pass it forward. We get to inspire new ideas in new generations for a better society. We may not earn big bucks or fancy rings, but the world is (hopefully) a better place because we helped inspired others."