2017 Teaching Initiative Award Winner

Anna Maria Arias, Ph.D.

• Ph.D. in Science Education, University of Michigan (2015)
• Assistant Professor, School of Teaching and Learning

The three most valuable approaches that I bring to my teaching

• Representations of teaching such as viewing videos
• Decomposition of different teaching strategies such as breaking down elements of science instruction
• Approximating teaching through teaching portions of science lessons and reflecting on student learning

The people that have been the most influential in my teaching career

My middle school students, who were there in the beginning, helped me to see the wonderful science- thinking that young people can do if they have the resources and support.

The rewarding aspect of teaching for me is

When my students describe lessons they taught and show me how they are developing their skills and knowledge for teaching.

I want to continue to improve my teaching in the following ways

• Lead significant, productive discussions about issues of diversity and equity in teaching and learning
• Use technology in meaningful ways
• Improve my instructional practices to support various students