Reflections Autumn 2007
Reflections Spring 2007
Reflections Autumn 2006
The Education Program presented Dr. Andrew W. Shouse, Senior Program Officer, Board on Science Education, The National Academies, in a public lecture at the Boeing Theater at the Future of Flight Aviation Center. (See Event flyer PDF)
The presentation included a broad overview of findings from several major synthesis studies undertaken at the National Research Council of The National Academy of Sciences. Drawing heavily from the new book Ready, Set, Science, Dr. Shouse will use a range of classroom-based case studies to illustrate three cross-cutting themes from current research on learning: new definitions of proficiency in mathematics and science; new insights into prior knowledge and its role in learning; and the role of metacognition in learning.
The Student Commencement Speaker is chosen by the UW Bothell faculty from nominees submitted by students, staff and faculty as an exemplar of both scholarly achievement and demonstrated commitment to the campus community.
The student speaker for the 16th commencement of the University of Washington Bothell is Jason Jones.
Jason is graduating magna cum laude as a student in the Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program: American Studies, with a Minor in Education. Jason is also currently enrolled in the Teacher Certification Program with aspirations of being an elementary school teacher.
Graduating today marks a milestone for Jason as he completes a degree he began twenty years ago. A former community college student in southern California, Jason initially set his studies aside to pursue a career in music, first as a musician, and then as a recording engineer. Ultimately, Jason and his wife owned a successful music company which included a recording studio, graphic design and duplication business, and independent record label.
In 2001, they sold their business and relocated to Washington to be near family. Once here, his wife earned her M.B.A. at UW Bothell, prompting Jason to reconsider his educational aspirations and resume his studies.
While a student at UW Bothell pursuing coursework in both programs, Jason found time to volunteer in multiple elementary school classrooms, and worked with the elderly at a local group home. Even in juggling his service activities with his studies, he excelled as a student and was honored when his work "Teacher Certification: Is There a Better Way?" was published in the UW Bothell Policy Journal.
Post-graduation, Jason will continue to work on his teaching certification and anticipates beginning as a full-time classroom teacher in the fall of 2009. His ultimate goal is to one day move to Nicaragua and teach local children in rural schools. His passion for teaching extends from his desire to teach the next generation the skills to succeed in a global economy while at the same time cultivating their "humanistic self" that he believes resides in each one of us.
In reflection, Jason notes that of the many skills he has attained at UW Bothell, the most important one is the ability to push his thinking more deeply; to see the complexity in the question: What does it mean to be human? The answer, he believes, is to "be a piece of the larger whole; to help each other reach our individual potential, so we can reach our collective human potential."
Says Jason, "I found UW Bothell to be a place where students could challenge themselves in a nurturing environment, and then expand on those experiences within the framework of the larger community. The professors supported me, guided me, and offered me deep insight into my own thinking. I found them to be compassionate, inspiring, and exceptionally knowledgeable. I aspire to be the kind of teacher that these professors were to me."
It is because of this deep commitment and academic/community achievements that Jason Jones is the 2007 Student Commencement Speaker.
