IU School of Education at IUPUI
As part of a regular feature here on the School of Education homepage, we ask one of
our outstanding alumni to answer six questions about him or herself. Meet the Center
Grove Middle School North teacher just awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange Grant.
Six Questions with an
Alumnus Educator:
Jeff Peterson
1. Tell us about your current position? What do you do?
I currently teach 7th grade science at Center Grove Middle School North.
2. What has been the best thing about being an educator?
As an educator, I am in a position to have great influence over a student's
impressions of science, math, writing and learning. I love the contagious, high
energy from my students when they discover or learn something new, and they are
often eager to share their new knowledge with me and others.
3. You have received a Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Grant and will be
traveling to Chennai, India. Tell us a little about what you’re going to be doing
while in India?
While in India, I will teach biology at Bala Vidya Mandir secondary school in
Chennai. I will immerse myself into the diverse culture, and plan to travel as much as
my teaching schedule will allow. Using the internet, I have already been able to join
a digital “photowalk” club and make many other contacts.
4. What two challenges do you foresee in the future of education?
21st Century science educators are challenged to find a balance between teaching
content and allowing for the application of concepts. When an effective balance is
developed in a classroom, students are able to see the relevance of the content in
real-world applications, and students are more engaged in the learning process.
Modern educational technology tools and training, like those I received through the
IUPUI educational technology program, allow teachers to develop this type of
science classroom more effectively. But does a system with No Child Left Behind,
ISTEP, Race to the Top, and new legislation on teacher evaluations based on
student performance allow for this type of science classroom? The optimist in me
hopes so. Students who are engaged in their own learning are motivated to work
harder and show greater academic achievement. We should focus on the how to
learn, not just the what to learn. Allow students greater access to technology
including mobile media devices and cell phones which are “mini” computers with
global access to data. Student achievement and teacher effectiveness should be as
much about an appreciation for learning and individual growth as it is about high test
performance.
5. What’s one piece of encouragement or advice you would give to someone
pursuing a career in education?
Spend time with kids at schools, summer camps, or intramural sports before you
even begin to look at a career in education. I have seen far too many people get into
education and later find they really don't like kids. This is a job where if you are not
passionate about your work, you and your students will not enjoy learning.
6. What’s currently playing on your iPod?
I enjoy a collection of music from NeedToBreathe and Matt Nathanson to
OneRepublic and The Prodigy.