Episode 09 – Dr. Bill Thornburgh – “Stay calm, stay healthy, engage students”

In this conversation, Mark Royce talks with AMTA executive officer Bill Thornburgh about the challenges and ways to make the most of our time while working with students remotely. They talk in particular about how some aspects of modeling instruction are challenging in this environment, but how we can continue to do many of the things we find so valuable for our students and their learning. They also talk about connecting with others, finding resources for distance learning, summer workshops, and supporting AMTA

Bill Thornburgh taught high school environmental science, biology, and chemistry over the course of 10 years. In his 7th year of teaching, he was introduced to the Modeling pedagogy by a colleague who had attended a workshop. The following year, he attended a modeling workshop… what an experience! The transition from traditional instruction to Modeling invigorated him and he found that his students were much happier! Since leaving the classroom, he received his Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Louisville and he has been the Executive Officer of AMTA for the past two years. Bill says, “I miss teaching, but I’m happy that I get to continue working with such passionate and dedicated teachers!”