Stephanie Dunda
Biology and Chemistry Teacher
Who are the students?
They are from all over the city. Many of the feeder schools have project based learning curricula. Some of the feeder schools include Philadelphia School South, Independence Charter School and Penn Alexander. We are a special admissions public magnet school. We
interview 1200 students last year for 120 slots. The students selected are typically A/B students who will excel in a project based learning
environment.
Why did you choose SLA? What is it like to teach here?
I’m here because SLA teaches me how to think, and learn for myself. I feel challenged and engaged at every level. I love the curriculum, autonomy and thinking about Science. How to deliver content and keep the kids engaged is thrilling to me. This is not top down curriculum, it is tailored specifically to the learning population and I have the freedom to develop my own lessons. The community is very caring, I would call it “super hippie love” The technology platforms are awesome and there is lots of communication. Not only
are my fellow peers good teachers, they are great in pedagogy as
well.
Are there any reforms underway at the school?
There is a technology reform at play. We are moving from a Apple platform to a PC (Dell) platform. So we are migrating to chrome books. Our goal is always to have technology and transparency in what we teach.
What are the greatest needs the school has?
We really need a full time Nurse and a Librarian. We would also like funding for our Career Tech Ed and Video class.
Who are some of your community partners?
Franklin Institute, Dell computers , Drexel University engineering Department, the Horticultural Society, City Year volunteers and the parents and families at SLA.
Biology and Chemistry Teacher
Who are the students?
They are from all over the city. Many of the feeder schools have project based learning curricula. Some of the feeder schools include Philadelphia School South, Independence Charter School and Penn Alexander. We are a special admissions public magnet school. We
interview 1200 students last year for 120 slots. The students selected are typically A/B students who will excel in a project based learning
environment.
Why did you choose SLA? What is it like to teach here?
I’m here because SLA teaches me how to think, and learn for myself. I feel challenged and engaged at every level. I love the curriculum, autonomy and thinking about Science. How to deliver content and keep the kids engaged is thrilling to me. This is not top down curriculum, it is tailored specifically to the learning population and I have the freedom to develop my own lessons. The community is very caring, I would call it “super hippie love” The technology platforms are awesome and there is lots of communication. Not only
are my fellow peers good teachers, they are great in pedagogy as
well.
Are there any reforms underway at the school?
There is a technology reform at play. We are moving from a Apple platform to a PC (Dell) platform. So we are migrating to chrome books. Our goal is always to have technology and transparency in what we teach.
What are the greatest needs the school has?
We really need a full time Nurse and a Librarian. We would also like funding for our Career Tech Ed and Video class.
Who are some of your community partners?
Franklin Institute, Dell computers , Drexel University engineering Department, the Horticultural Society, City Year volunteers and the parents and families at SLA.