New MHS Science Teachers Focus on Student Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

By Dilan Mehta | Posted November 6, 2024

Montgomery High School is constantly advancing the way students learn and the student experience. One such way is through staff hires. This year, MHS has three new science teachers: Dr. May Jean Cheah, Ms. Amy Calhoun, and Mr. Robert Parker. They are excited to bring fresh new perspectives to the science department and continue developing strategies to help students succeed.

(From left to right) Dr. May Jean Cheah, Mr. Robert Parker, and Ms. Amy Calhoun.

Dr. Cheah has an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from McGill University and a PhD from Princeton University. Before teaching, she worked on membranes that filter water in treatment plants and did research work on hydrogen fuel cells. This year, she is teaching Honors IPELS. IPELS stands for Integrated Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences, a physics-oriented, lab-based class. It is important for teachers to be active in their student’s learning and to promote engagement with the material. “As a district, MTSD is increasing the implementation of the Universal Design for Learning framework,” she said. “I am looking forward to…bringing UDL principles into our classrooms.”

Ms. Calhoun majored in Physics at Georgian Court University, completed graduate-level courses at Florida Institute of Technology, and researched Planetary Science. Ms. Calhoun will be teaching AP Physics 1 and Honors IPELS. She is also assistant mentor of the robotics team. Calhoun emphasized the importance of metacognitive thinking and for students to truly process what they learn. “One strategy that I plan to do more often this year is to have students reflect more regularly on their learning. I feel that through reflection, students can solidify their learning and take a moment to ask themselves questions to help guide learning even more.”

Advertisement

Mr. Parker graduated from West Point in 2013 with a degree in electrical engineering, he was commissioned into the army as a second lieutenant armor officer. Mr. Parker is teaching Engineering 1 and 2, as well as Architecture 1 and 2. Engineering and architecture are too field which blend creativity with mathematical reasoning, so his classes are very hands-on. “My teaching style is very student led. In keeping with the engineering design process, I want the students to do background research and brainstorm ideas to help them understand the material versus simply feeding them all the information.”

Under the supervision of Mr. Sullivan the MHS science department continues to foster student relationships, promote student-led discussion, reflection, and collaboration, and focus on inquiry-based critical-thinking skills in the classroom. The future of MHS and its students looks bright.