With a heart devoted to chemistry and two decades of professional experience in the pharmaceutical, food, and textile industries, Ms. Sistrunk transitioned her wealth of expertise to the classrooms of Olympic High School. As a chemistry teacher, she places immense value on continuing education and applying differentiation techniques to ensure her students receive a top-tier learning experience. Her commitment led her to apply for an OHS Foundation grant to attain her National Board Certification in Teaching.
National Board Certification, a demanding three-year training program, challenges teachers to utilize classroom recordings, assessments, and data analysis to explain, prove, and enhance their lessons, creating a more dynamic learning experience. Ms. Sistrunk's dedication to this endeavor has prompted a transformation in her teaching approach.
Reflecting on her methods, she posed a pivotal question: "Would I be interested in this?" This introspection led to significant adjustments in her classroom strategy. Acknowledging the value of hands-on learning, Ms. Sistrunk introduced weekly labs, allowing her students to actively apply their lessons. One example of this innovative approach was a lesson on radioactive half-life using chocolate candies—a unique and engaging experience for her students.
The impact of Ms. Sistrunk's transformed teaching methods is evident in her classroom. Students are not only engaged but also committed, with perfect attendance in both her 1st and 4th block classes—times when students can often be tired, hungry, or disinterested. Her primary objective is to prepare her students for the challenges of college and the real world, a promise she communicates at the beginning of each semester. She offers them the tools for success with a straightforward but powerful formula: Be prepared by previewing the next week's lesson at the end of the prior week, show up consistently, and pay attention by taking thorough notes.