St. Louis Blues January 2022 Teacher of the Month
Name:
Jeremy Dorrell
School:
University Academy Charter Middle School
Classroom Team:
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jeremy Dorrell and this is my fifth year in the classroom. I primarily teach eighth grade science but also teach a science elective course with sixth and seventh graders. I took a non-traditional route to the classroom. I did not initially go to college to become a teacher but instead joined an organization called “Teach for America” upon graduating. Teach for America places teachers in underserved populations to help tackle the education inequities in this country. Since then, I have finished my master degree and am currently finishing up my specialist degree in administration. The reason I became a teacher is because I believe it is one of the greatest jobs a person can have. The impact a teacher can have is immeasurable. Not many jobs allow you to make an impact right after graduation. I love many things about teaching but the “lightbulb moments” are the reason I keep teaching. Seeing kids grow, develop, and grasp concepts they didn’t believe they could is what I love about teaching. During my time at University Academy, I founded the wrestling team. This is our third year as a program. Creating this program has allowed my students more opportunities in the winter to participate in sports. I also co-fundraised $5,000 to help improve our school weight room so students and community members could use the facility to help improve their health and fitness.
Who is your favorite NHL® player and why?
Ryan O’Reilly, he’s a solid player on both sides of the ice. In my opinion, he’s one of the reasons the Blues won the cup in 2019. O’Reilly is also a great leader because he leads by example and isn’t afraid to be vocal.
What is your favorite part of the Future Goals™program? How do you see STEM in the game of hockey?
The Future Goals program is the first exposure most of my students have to the sport of hockey. I like how the Future Goals program ties basic science skills to the sport of hockey while also introducing the sport to my students. As a science educator, I recognize that STEM is around us every day. However, finding ways to explain it in a fun exciting way is my goal. I believe the Future Goals program does a good job at doing this. For example, students are asked to adjust the temperature of the ice to make it right for skating. By doing this, students draw connections between temperature and particle movement. This is a basic science skill all students need to know. Future goals and the sport of hockey have many of these real word examples that strengthen my students science skills and understanding.
If you played hockey, what position would you play and why?
RW – Right Wing, because I’m left handed and love to be in the middle of the action.