About Ms. Bliss
Hello, I'm Ms. Bliss,
THE TEACHER - I have been teaching science at San Leandro High School since 2010. I am committed to working with all members of the SLUSD community to bring strong 21st century skills to our students. In our classroom we practice the 5C's: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, cultural competence, and communication while exploring the Next Generation Science Standards. Over the years I have engaged with many professional development opportunities and extracurricular projects. In recent years, I have partnered with UC Berkeley, my alma mater, to mentor candidates in their Graduate School of Education as they work towards a Masters and Credential in science education. In the summer of 2017 I received Project Lead the Way training and became one of the first instructors in our new Biomedical Health Pathway program. This pathway prepares students for Pre-med coursework and careers in Medicine. I was a support teacher for Rainbow Club and its Season of Service projects on the FTK campus. As an AVID cluster teacher I received training through the UC San Diego Summer Institute in 2012 and 2013. As a Tech Innovator, starting in 2014, I helped lead the integration of computer technology and project based learning in our district. In 2010-2011 I chaired the WASC curriculum group which evaluated the school's success on providing learning opportunities for all students through our school wide curriculum offerings. In 2012-2013 I served as a member of the School Academic Incentives Committee which aimed to improve school-wide spirit and motivation for academic achievement. I've also received training through the 2 year accredited Reading Apprenticeship Program which has been pivotal in my work supporting science literacy among my students.
THE CLASSROOM - My classes are an academically rigorous way to strengthen scientific literacy while practicing domain specific reading, writing, studying, and test taking skills. We do research projects, lab work, group discussions and explore professional career paths. Throughout the year we will discuss the nature of science and its role in society so that students may prepare for independent life where decisions like how to vote, spend money and care for themselves and community can be greatly affected by scientific literacy. Students who put in the effort will feel rewarded. It should also be noted that students are graded individually but work both independently and in groups.
THE PERSON - I am a curious, artistic and scientifically-minded world traveler. I simply simply love being a teacher. I grew up in Massachusetts and attended Hampshire College from 1998-2001. My double major in fine arts and environmental science education gave me a strong foundation for my current career path. Before I was a teacher, I developed outdoor education programs for school and community groups of all ages in the environmental non-profit sector. My most notable jobs were as Education Coordinator for Mass Audubon and, later, Save The Bay. I moved to the Bay Area after a yearlong exploration of Europe and Asia. Traveling allowed me to learn about different cultural perspectives and ways of living. It influenced my life and teaching in profound ways by opening my eyes to the importance of kindness, curiosity, resilience and critical thinking in all aspects of life. I completed a Masters in Science Education at UC Berkeley in 2010. I have been teaching at San Leandro High School ever since.
I look forward to getting to know you all more as the year goes on. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
- Ms. Bliss
THE TEACHER - I have been teaching science at San Leandro High School since 2010. I am committed to working with all members of the SLUSD community to bring strong 21st century skills to our students. In our classroom we practice the 5C's: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, cultural competence, and communication while exploring the Next Generation Science Standards. Over the years I have engaged with many professional development opportunities and extracurricular projects. In recent years, I have partnered with UC Berkeley, my alma mater, to mentor candidates in their Graduate School of Education as they work towards a Masters and Credential in science education. In the summer of 2017 I received Project Lead the Way training and became one of the first instructors in our new Biomedical Health Pathway program. This pathway prepares students for Pre-med coursework and careers in Medicine. I was a support teacher for Rainbow Club and its Season of Service projects on the FTK campus. As an AVID cluster teacher I received training through the UC San Diego Summer Institute in 2012 and 2013. As a Tech Innovator, starting in 2014, I helped lead the integration of computer technology and project based learning in our district. In 2010-2011 I chaired the WASC curriculum group which evaluated the school's success on providing learning opportunities for all students through our school wide curriculum offerings. In 2012-2013 I served as a member of the School Academic Incentives Committee which aimed to improve school-wide spirit and motivation for academic achievement. I've also received training through the 2 year accredited Reading Apprenticeship Program which has been pivotal in my work supporting science literacy among my students.
THE CLASSROOM - My classes are an academically rigorous way to strengthen scientific literacy while practicing domain specific reading, writing, studying, and test taking skills. We do research projects, lab work, group discussions and explore professional career paths. Throughout the year we will discuss the nature of science and its role in society so that students may prepare for independent life where decisions like how to vote, spend money and care for themselves and community can be greatly affected by scientific literacy. Students who put in the effort will feel rewarded. It should also be noted that students are graded individually but work both independently and in groups.
THE PERSON - I am a curious, artistic and scientifically-minded world traveler. I simply simply love being a teacher. I grew up in Massachusetts and attended Hampshire College from 1998-2001. My double major in fine arts and environmental science education gave me a strong foundation for my current career path. Before I was a teacher, I developed outdoor education programs for school and community groups of all ages in the environmental non-profit sector. My most notable jobs were as Education Coordinator for Mass Audubon and, later, Save The Bay. I moved to the Bay Area after a yearlong exploration of Europe and Asia. Traveling allowed me to learn about different cultural perspectives and ways of living. It influenced my life and teaching in profound ways by opening my eyes to the importance of kindness, curiosity, resilience and critical thinking in all aspects of life. I completed a Masters in Science Education at UC Berkeley in 2010. I have been teaching at San Leandro High School ever since.
- Hobbies: fine arts such as painting and sculpture, building interactive art experiences, costume-making, sailing, travel, kayaking, sailing, gardening, cooking, reading, community building and more.
- Check Out My Artist Website: http://SomedayIsToday.studio/
- Favorite Things to Do: Try something new or learn something I didn't already know.
- Favorite Foods: Ceviche, pizza, moussaka, kimchi ramen, anything with pork and steamed dumplings
- Education:
- M.A. and Credential in Science Education, University of California, Berkeley 2010
- B.A. Hampshire College 2001, Environmental Science Education and Fine Art Amherst, MA
I look forward to getting to know you all more as the year goes on. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
- Ms. Bliss