Hawthorne educator masters the science of teaching
By Karen Mann Journal Correspondent

Today's science lab experiment: mummify a chicken.

This is one way seventh grade science teacher Caryl Adamowitch-LaPorte gets her students to understand life from a scientific point of view, and make science real for her students.

Adamowitch-LaPorte said the lab she had planned would incorporate what her students were learning about in her class - osmosis - and what they were learning about in their social studies class - Egypt.

"I love planning," said Adamowitch- LaPorte. "What are the nuances to add in to make it a fun learning experience?"

Adamowitch-LaPorte, who teaches life science at Hawthorne Brook Middle School, was named the Massachusetts Science Educator of the Year for Middlesex County for 2006.

She received the award from the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers, in which she is a member.

A letter sent out by board member William Hardin states, "Her colleagues admire the way she has unselfishly devoted her life to the improvement of science education. Her work in making science 'live' for students and her active involvement in science programs has not gone unnoticed by her peers. We appreciate her and what she does."

According to Adamowitch-LaPorte, teachers are nominated for the award by members of the organization. She was unaware she had been nominated, and said it was the first time she had been recognized by her peers.

"It is humbling to have your peers say your capabilities are up there," said Adamowitch-LaPorte.

She has been a member of MAST for longer than she can remember, and has been treasurer for the past three years.

She also served as the co-chairman of the K-8 science department, where she shaped the science program in the district.

Adamowitch-LaPorte believes it is important to be involved in organizations like MAST.

"I believe if you are going to be an educator that makes a difference in the classroom. You need to know the bigger picture, what they are saying is the future of that subject field," she said. "You need to stay current."

Adamowitch-LaPorte has been a teacher at HBMS for the past five years. She has also taught at Peter Fitzpatrick School, Varnum Brook Elementary School, and Ashby Elementary School.

"I am a person that needs change," she said.

The North Middlesex Regional School District is good because it is large enough that she can make a change within the school system, Adamowitch-LaPorte said. Her entire teaching career has been in the NM District.

Adamowitch-LaPorte knew as a little girl she wanted to be a teacher, and would play school. Once she started teaching, she realized it was what she was meant to do.

"After all these years, I still want to do it," she said.

Among the best aspects of teaching "is seeing the sparkle in a kid's eyes when they have an 'ah-ha' moment."

She admitted she does not like the grading part of teaching. She would rather see her children learn than earn a grade. If she had it her way, grading would not be a part of the education process.

Adamowitch-LaPorte has previously taught math and reading.

"I am a generalist at heart," she said. When possible she tries to incorporate other subjects into her lesson plan.

Since her father was an "outdoors man" she grew up with nature being a big part of her life and loved learning about the outdoors as a kid.

Science teachers she had when in school influenced her decision to become a teacher, and her teaching style, she said.

Adamowitch-LaPorte describes her style as challenging, and likes to make each student stretch a little bit.

She respects the fact that every child is different, and some are queasy about living things. She tries to identify what point each one of her students is at, then move them a few steps forward from there.

Adamowitch-LaPorte prefers to use active learning methods rather than passive learning.

"It's not just about receiving the information, but also thinking about what you can do with it," she said.