Susan Glass is a dynamic middle school science educator who promotes excellence in her students by creating a stimulating, challenging, and nurturing classroom. Recently selected by her peers as the 2006 California League of Middle Schools (CLMS) State Educator of the Year, Glass is also the science department chair at Oak Crest Middle School in Encinitas, California. She is widely commended for teaching to the highest common denominator and inspiring her students to realize their full potential.

"I cannot think of someone who is more deserving. Her class is fun, and her students are always engaged. Her kids love being in there. She is always prepared, always enthusiastic, and she truly loves teaching."
—Assistant Principal, Oak Crest Middle School

"I love coming into Ms. Glass' science class because every day is so different and so exciting!"
—Student

About Oak Crest Middle School
Founded in 1957, Oak Crest Middle School is part of the San Dieguito Union High School District and is located in Southern California between San Diego and Carlsbad. The district is comprised of four high schools and four middle schools, serving most of the North Coastal County San Diego area and five coastal communities. Nine hundred and eighty-five students attend Oak Crest, and the student body consists of 73 percent Caucasian, 19 percent Hispanic, 4 percent Asian, and less than 1 percent African American, American Indian, Filipino, and Pacific Islander. Approximately 20 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunches.

About Susan Glass
Born in Oklahoma and raised in Arkansas, Glass spent her childhood playing school instead of playing house. With a mother and grandmother who were both educators, and an early fascination with nature, it is not surprising that Glass chose to pursue a degree in science and a teaching credential at San Diego State University.

Her career began fifteen years ago as a science teacher at Diegueno Middle School in Encinitas, where she taught biology, earth, space, and physical science. In 2000, she transferred to Oak Crest Middle School, where she continues to teach science with passion. "I love teaching because I have the opportunity to share with my kids the awe and excitement of the wonders of science, such as seeing a tiny creature under a microscope for the first time," said Glass.

Roles and Duties
Science district coordinator and standards mentor
For the past two years, Glass has served as district science coordinator for the San Dieguito Union High School District. In this role, she meets monthly with other district coordinators in all subject areas and with superintendent to discuss district issues, new classes to pilot, test scores, and school board issues.

Science department chair
As Oak Crest Middle School's science department chair for for the past six years, Glass is responsible not only for the department as a whole, but also for training new science teachers by sharing lesson plans and hands-on experiment methods. She is also the master teacher for many student teachers from California State University schools. Last year, she led the school to the Science Olympiad with thirteen winners, and has facilitated the region's science fair throughout her years of teaching.

Director of summer transitional camp
For the past two years, Glass has also been the director of Oak Crest Middle School's summer transitional camp, which introduces seventh-graders and all incoming students to the campus. The camp is a morning-long structured open house where new students participate in a treasure hunt, tour classrooms, and meet teachers and staff.

A Closer Look at Her Success
Glass works long, hard hours to prepare for her classes. "We do an experiment every day, whether it's a three-minute lab or a three-day lab," said Glass. "I don't entertain my students, but science does." Her goal is to bring science to life through hands-on experiments in an active, engaging classroom setting. Often, Glass' wardrobe reflects the lesson of the day, whether it focuses on the solar system, spiders, or Mendel's sweet peas.

By making herself available for extra help before school, afterschool, and every day at lunch, Glass helps her students to learn and understand science. "My students know my classroom is a place where expectations are high and where abilities will never be underestimated. It is an environment that will not accept failure," said Glass. "I'm partly responsible for these kids' education, and I take that very seriously. Anyone of my students could be the one who cures AIDS or who takes us beyond our solar system."

Classroom Tools and Techniques
Working with a variety of students, including at-risk, special education, and approximately 20 percent English language learners, Glass has the remarkable gift of sparking an interest in science while encouraging her students to reach for the stars. "One of my greatest joys as a teacher is to hear those wonderful 'Aha' moments when they finally get it," said Glass. "When that happens, I get a tingle down my spine!" Some of her classroom tools and techniques include the following:

• Peer tutoring and seating charts: Glass spends hours carefully mapping out seating charts. "I make sure the lower-level kids have the brightest partners, so my highest-level kids become teachers, and my lower-level kids have a peer tutor."
• Class motto: "Failure is not an option." When kids are complaining or attempting to wiggle out of a difficult assignment, Glass always reminds them, "Failure is not an option." She walks them through the scientific method process with supportive questioning. Glass will ask, "What do you already know, and what do you need to know?" to help students refocus on the task with renewed enthusiasm and determination.
• Encouragement: "You can do it; you will do it; and there is no excuse not to do it." Glass fosters a feeling of camaraderie in her classroom, and rewards students who encourage each other through the learning process. It's not unusual for her students to break into applause for a classmate who has finally come up with the right answer.
• Never underestimate your kids: "I always teach to the highest common denominator, rather than the lowest. The struggling students will pull themselves up to that level, and the upper-level students will work harder." If students are struggling with the curriculum, Glass ensures she’s available for extra help. "I help my at-risk kids become the best they can be, insist my average kids excel, and demand my gifted students are challenged at their highest level."
• Classroom sanctuary: "My class is a sanctuary where kids can express themselves without ridicule. You will never hear a student laughed at for giving the wrong answer. When new partners are assigned, they know to smile, shake hands, and introduce themselves." Glass will not tolerate any disrespectful behavior.
• Treated like scientists: "When you pass the threshold of my classroom door, you are no longer students, but you are now scientists," Glass tells students. Regularly, a question on the board that needs to be solved greets her class, and students are provided with the equipment and chemicals to get started. Glass stands by to listen and answer questions that arise during the process. After every lab, all students must answer questions in complete sentences to demonstrate their comprehension.

Conclusion
Humbly, Susan Glass ponders what she gives to her students on a daily basis, but she is quite certain of what her students give her. "My students give me a reason to get up every morning. They give me eternal joy and youth, and they help me to forget about the wrinkles and the extra pounds. Every September, they let me feel the passion and the terror of being twelve years old all over again!"