John Gensic

Brainstormer, Educator/Teacher, Idea generator, Inventor, Parent, Scientist, Social entrepreneur

JOHN L. GENSIC 51865 Pennyroyal Lane, Granger, IN 46530. Cell (260) 348-2766 John.Gensic@gmail.com OBJECTIVE Obtain resources to improve the educational experience for my students. LICENSURE Indiana: 5-9 Math, 5-9 General Science, 5-12 Life Science, 5-12 Chemistry PAST PERFORMANCE In four years of teaching Freshman Biology to roughly 400 students, above 75% passed the ECA (State Ave. 45%) 12-25% earned a Pass+. In first year teaching AP Biology, 3 students earned 5’s, 3 earned 4’s, and 8 earned 3’s (840 total students at New Prairie). EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME, Notre Dame, IN M. Ed, July 2007 UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS, Fort Wayne, IN Bachelor of Science, May 2005 Major: Chemistry, Focus: Biochemistry Minor: Math SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY, San Jose, CA Summer School in Nuclear and Radiochemistry, Summer 2003 HONORS Jacob’s Educator for Innovative Educational Technology, Indiana University, 2011-2012 Vernier Technology Award For Innovative Use of Technology in Science Teaching 2012 Valedictorian, University of Saint Francis Class of 2005 NAIA Academic All-American, 2004 and 2005 Top Student, Department of Energy Nuclear Chemistry Summer School 2003 Valedictorian, Bishop Dwenger High School Class of 2001 RESEARCH “Relationships between sounding based parameters and precipitation decorrelation.†National Severe Storms Laboratory Research Experience for Undergraduates, 2004 INTERNSHIPS Researcher, National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, OK, Summer 2004 -Conducted research project on radar information and weather balloon data Student, Nuclear Chemistry Summer School, San Jose, CA, Summer 2003 -U.S. Department of Energy Summer School in Nuclear Chemistry EXPERIENCE Teacher, New Prairie High School, August 2008-present -First year Biology-all grade levels, AP Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Chemistry Physics Teacher, Saint Adalbert Catholic School, South Bend, IN, Starting August 2005 -Taught middle school math, science, health, and physical education -Department Head, Science and Math -Organized and conducted Science Fair for 3 years -Lead Teacher for middle school during the 2007-2008 school year Lead Teacher, University of Notre Dame Extended Research Community. ENVIRO and GENO Collaboration. Set up workshop for environmental science and genetics activities for teachers, 2009-2011 Varsity Assistant Basketball Coach, New Prairie High School, 2011-2012 Camp Counselor, University of Saint Francis, Fort Wayne, IN, Summer 2001- 2003, 2010 -Taught basketball fundamentals to elementary and middle school students LEADERSHIP Professional Development Committee Member, Organize and lead professional development opportunities for teachers at New Prairie, 2010-present Department Head, Middle School Math and Science, St. Adalbert School Captain, U. of Saint Francis basketball team, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 Director, Science Fair, St. Adalbert School President, National Honor Society, Bishop Dwenger High School, 2000-2001 SKILLS Computer: Microsoft Office, Web 2.0 tools (GoogleDocs, Blogs, Wikis, Surveys) -Conducted a staff training for Google Apps at New Prairie High School 12/21/2010 -Developed a Biology app based on the Indiana State Standards 2011 (Bio On The Go) GRANTS $767 LETHAS Outdoor Education Grant for Field Trip to Indiana Dunes 270 students $1,000 Vernier Innovative Technology Award (2012) $1,500 Jacob’s Educator Technology Award (2012) $300 Hoosier Environmental Council Place-Based Education 2009-2010 Teacher's Credit Union Innovative Teacher Award 2006-07, 07-08 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY All students can succeed in an environment of high expectations and appropriate support. Students learn science best in the context of real problems that connect to their lives and experiences. I spent my first three years teaching mostly students who spoke only Spanish at home. I struggled early, but found success over time. Therefore, my teaching style is not traditional. I am happy to have had this teaching experience as it forces me to put content into context and attempt to provide instruction in all the modalities.

Giving students experiences and confidence in understanding science at high levels (especially biology).

A modern day Johnny Appleseed project, where disease resistant apple varieties are grafted an shared.

Education, Orchards

Frisbee Golf