Science

Qualifications:

BS:  Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, specialized focus on Environmental Education, minor in Recreation Resource Management and Biology, University of Minnesota

Certifications & Trainings: K-8 all subjects,  Idaho SMART (Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together) program, Waldorf Teaching Trainings

With over a decade of experience as an Interpretive Naturalist, Crystal has developed exceptional teaching techniques tailored for outdoor settings such as Nature Centers, as well as inside urban classrooms throughout the metro area of Minnesota. After relocating to Idaho, she became a founding member of Syringa Mountain School, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the Science Curriculum to reflect Waldorf Pedagogy. Her contributions included the collaborative design of a nature playscape and garden space that serves as a living classroom for students. Following her time as the Farm and Garden Teacher, Crystal transitioned to teaching 1st through 4th graders, where she continued to foster a love for learning in diverse and dynamic classrooms. Crystal’s teaching philosophy centers on the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with her students. She prioritizes creating an inclusive environment that respects and accommodates diverse learning styles and needs. Through her engaging and meaningful educational experiences, she seeks to empower her students not only academically but also as conscientious stewards of the environment. Crystal is deeply passionate about her role at Wood River Middle School and is dedicated to positively influencing her students’ growth and development. She strives to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect the natural world, fostering a lifelong connection to the environment. Outside of her professional commitments, Crystal enjoys a rich variety of outdoor activities with her family. These include hiking in the picturesque Idaho landscape, nurturing their garden, camping under the stars, boating on local lakes, skiing down snowy slopes, and fishing together.

Con más de una década de experiencia como naturalista interpretativa, Crystal ha desarrollado técnicas de enseñanza excepcionales, adaptadas tanto a entornos al aire libre —como los centros de naturaleza— como a las aulas urbanas de toda el área metropolitana de Minnesota. Tras mudarse a Idaho, se convirtió en miembro fundadora de la Syringa Mountain School, donde desempeñó un papel fundamental en la configuración del plan de estudios de ciencias para que este reflejara la pedagogía Waldorf. Entre sus contribuciones se incluye el diseño colaborativo de un espacio de juego natural y un jardín que sirve como aula viva para los estudiantes. Después de su etapa como maestra de agricultura y jardinería, Crystal pasó a enseñar a alumnos de primero a cuarto grado, labor en la que continuó fomentando el amor por el aprendizaje en aulas diversas y dinámicas. La filosofía de enseñanza de Crystal se centra en la importancia de construir relaciones sólidas y basadas en la confianza con sus alumnos. Ella prioriza la creación de un entorno inclusivo que respete y se adapte a los diversos estilos y necesidades de aprendizaje. A través de experiencias educativas atractivas y significativas, busca empoderar a sus estudiantes no solo en el ámbito académico, sino también como guardianes conscientes del medio ambiente. Crystal siente una profunda pasión por su labor en la Wood River Middle School y se dedica a influir positivamente en el crecimiento y desarrollo de sus alumnos. Se esfuerza por inspirar a la próxima generación para que valore y proteja el mundo natural, fomentando una conexión duradera con el medio ambiente. Fuera de sus compromisos profesionales, Crystal disfruta de una gran variedad de actividades al aire libre junto a su familia. Entre ellas se incluyen hacer senderismo por los pintorescos paisajes de Idaho, cuidar de su jardín, acampar bajo las estrellas, navegar en los lagos locales, esquiar por laderas nevadas y pescar juntos.

BA Experiential Education from Prescott College

BA and certification in 6-12 Science from Western Governor's University

I have a diverse background in Environmental Education and Outdoor Leadership, and have BAs from Prescott College and Western Governor’s University. Originally from Vermont, I’ve lived in the area since 2001 and my wife and I are are currently chasing 3 kids around the valley.  I love to hike, bike and ski around the mountains and deserts of the West, I read all genres of books voraciously, and am a die hard baseball fan - Go Red Sox! I hope to share my enthusiasm and curiosity with my students.  I am excited to be part of the WRMS team!

Welcome to 7th Grade Life Science! Click this link to read about my rules of the room and what you can expect in science this year.

Cuento con una trayectoria diversa en Educación Ambiental y Liderazgo al Aire Libre, y poseo títulos de licenciatura de Prescott College y Western Governors University. Originario de Vermont, he vivido en esta zona desde el año 2001; actualmente, mi esposa y yo pasamos el tiempo persiguiendo a nuestros tres hijos por todo el valle. Me encanta hacer senderismo, andar en bicicleta y esquiar por las montañas y los desiertos del Oeste; leo vorazmente libros de todos los géneros y soy un fanático incondicional del béisbol. ¡Vamos, Red Sox! Espero poder compartir mi entusiasmo y mi curiosidad con mis estudiantes. ¡Me entusiasma formar parte del equipo de WRMS!

Welcome to 7th Grade Life Science! Haz clic en este enlace para leer sobre las normas de mi aula y lo que puedes esperar de la asignatura de ciencias este año.

BS in Meteorology from Valparaiso University

MS in Physical Oceanography from University of Rhode Island - Graduate School of Oceanography

I am excited to teach 6th and 8th grade science at Wood River Middle School! I look forward to helping my students explore the world around them through a scientific lens and igniting their curiosity about their surroundings.

I have a robust background in applied sciences, with a focus on meteorology, geography, physical oceanography, and hydrology. My professional experience includes working as an oceanographer, where I forecasted ocean currents in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore South America. Subsequently, I relocated to the Southern Hemisphere to work as a hydrologist at New Zealand's national water laboratory. I aspire to bring a unique perspective to the science classroom, drawing from over a decade of experience in the scientific field. I am passionate about inspiring the next generation to engage with science. 

I have two young children, and I love going out for trail runs, mountain biking, and skiing.