Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Kelly Gooden
Have you met Dr. Kelly Gooden yet? Dr. Gooden has been in education for 27 years and has experience in subjects such as gifted education, dance, elementary and middle school science, social studies and engineering. She also previously taught university undergraduate and graduate students preparing to become teachers. Currently, she teaches third grade science and middle school classes, including: earth and space sciences and engingeering design, forensics, design thinking and advisory. Learn more about Dr. Gooden in this edition of Teacher Spotlight!
How long have you been a teacher?
This is my 27th year in education.
What’s your favorite thing about teaching at Dawson?
I really feel like my ideas and innovations as a professional are valued here by the administration and the community. I’ve been supported in all that I’ve done (or tried to do).
What is your biggest goal for this school year?
To survive teaching third-grade science is my biggest goal for this year! Secondarily, I have a couple of new ideas to implement in the middle school science program.
How did you discover your own Brave Voice?
I would say that attending my undergraduate program at Howard University trained me to be the educator (and human being) I am today. Then, about 3 years into my teaching career, I attended an NSTA workshop in Vegas and went to a session describing the GEMS Mystery Festival. This one action led me on the path to developing an interest in science, and ultimately becoming a science educator.
What is one thing about you that would surprise your students?
One thing about me that might surprise my students is that I DID NOT like science when I was a student and my original plan was to become an English/Language Arts teacher.
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t working?
When I’m not working, my favorite thing to do is not be working. I like to bake, shop (especially for shoes) and go to the movies with my husband.
What are you most proud of?
I am proud that I was able to achieve my academic goal of earning my PhD by the time I was 30.
The Alexander Dawson School
The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, an independent school located on 33-acres in the community of Summerlin, is Nevada’s first Stanford University Challenge Success partner school for students in early childhood through grade eight. Utilizing the unique Challenge Success framework, Dawson uses research-based strategies and programs that emphasize student academics, wellbeing, and a healthy school-life balance to create more engaged, motivated, and resilient learners and leaders. At Dawson, students achieve their individual potential while savoring life and meeting the challenges of the world.