Mrs. Amanda Spirk, PLTW Biomedical Sciences Teacher at Fairborn High School was nominated for the “Outstanding PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher.” She teaches: Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovation and is a PLTW Master Teacher. Mrs. Spirk solely teaches all 4 levels of the PLTW Biomedical Science programs.
She continually updates and integrates her own research findings from online, journals and other resources into her lessons. She keeps her students on the forefront of the biomedical field through her own curiosity. Through the teaching of a multitude of technical and scientific skills, she empowers her students for future success. At the beginning of each unit, she provides students with a graphic organizer of the PLTW standards that serves multiple functions. Students see an itemized overview of the curriculum to use in familiarizing how to manage their time on certain topics. It offers flexibility for each student to adapt to their own academic needs, learning styles, and competing interests like sports and family responsibilities. These foundational self- management skills can be transposed to their future life career choices. Mrs. Spirk supports the growth of the PLTW program in and outside the classroom. Every winter, just before scheduling, she coordinates a visit with her top students to our middle school. She chooses these students in consideration of ability to engage with younger students, cultural and academic diversity, as well as passion for the field. These students plan and teach an activity highlighting major content, technical skills and application to career fields. She also participates in our schools ‘course-expo’ and other local venues. The year 3 & 4 PLTW Biomed students plan blood drives and wellness campaigns as an outreach project. Students take ownership of the planning decisions which naturally places them in the forefront as PLTW representatives. As the PLTW students engage with other students, the interest authentically grows. These interactions create a positive image for our students and district while exemplifying the
fundamentals of the PLTW Biomed program.
Mrs. Spirk is an invested advisor of the schools' HOSA team. She single handedly manages 7 categories & multiple genres of student group projects. The FHS HOSA team regularly places at regional & state levels. This year, a student was eligible to compete at the national level. One student commented that ‘they were really lucky to have Mrs. Spirk because she works so hard for them.”
Mrs. Spirk keeps the PLTW program seen and relevant in our school district and community. Our district motto states that we are ‘In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.” She has also built a network of professionals she brings into the classroom with in-person and online interactions. These efforts bring depth to an already robust PLTW program. She is purposefully creating a wide swath of opportunity for students to “see themselves” in these career pathways.
As a result of an Ohio Equipment grant, the BioMed pathway will have 3 Anatomage tables and 2 Resusci Anne QCPR manikins to enhance the program and work with community partners. Mrs. Spirk is already in training sessions on her own time to integrate this new equipment into her curriculum for next year. She has connected students to a wide range of medical professionals in career fairs, job shadowing and internship experiences. She makes a deliberate effort to create a vast and ever-evolving environment where students and peers can gain exposure, perspective and opportunity for inclusivity.
When certain projects are assigned, she offers choice in subject and design. She also has flexible rubrics that can accommodate students individualizing their product. She creates the opportunity to share their experiences, talents, culture and content understanding with the class. Through these sharable opportunities, students naturally set the tone of the classroom as inviting and safe because everyone has an equal space to express themselves in a variety of ways. This approach also allows students to make deeper connections with each other as this style encourages perspective sharing. Students choose to be in Mrs. Spirk’s class. She wants to make sure everyone feels like they have a home in her room. Students are naturally curious about the biomedical sciences but at times can be intimidated to ask questions. Her classroom is a place where students are not afraid to ask questions, where they feel comfortable to make a mistake, and are excited to learn new things. This year, students participated in ”Red Ribbon” week and had over 200 students commit to be drug free in less than three days. Students promoted the blood drive this year and had a record amount of donors signed up to donate! Mrs. Spirk loves how these students promote healthy lifestyles and habits to other students. In her extra-curricular time Mrs. Spirk serves as:
-HOSA advisor
-PLTW Master Teacher for 14 years in PBS and MI
-District STEM/Career Connected Learning committee member
-Subject Matter Expert/Item Writer for State of Ohio Webxam
-aiEDU Trailblazer Fellow
Additionally, she leads many student activities outside the classroom that promotes the biomedical sciences program, multiple medical professional career opportunities, and a general healthy lifestyle. These extracurricular interactions with the community also creates a positive image for our students and our district while exemplifying the fundamentals of the PLTW Biomedical Science program.
Congratulations Mrs. Spirk! We are very proud of you and are thankful for your leadership with the Project Lead the Way program at Fairborn High School!