Tracye Lynn "Willow" Boudell
A lifelong learner, I have wide range of professional experience. From research assistant in environmental sciences, particularly coastal geomorphology and climate science, teaching Earth and space science to co-sponsoring then sponsoring environmental clubs, I both enjoy studying the natural world and sharing its joys with others. In addition to a focus in environmental science in my undergraduate studies and secondary science education in my graduate studies (both at the University of Virginia, where I graduated with distinction) I coached debate and trained as a conflict mediator for students facing challenges in school.
I adapted to my own personal health and life challenges by learning on the fly, taking those deep dives when possible to expand my understanding and place my learning within the context of the big picture of life (which I am fairly certain no one fully understands yet). So I am a dedicated student as much as a teacher. I also know how life challenges and traumas impact learning, how schools themselves can seem threatening places to some, preventing much healthy learning from taking place. None of this is the student's fault, yet they carry most of the blame. It is my goal to help these students rediscover the joys of learning without the stigma. And if I manage to do that AND inspire a little nature appreciation, that's a win for us all.
Another goal is to help other professionals understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on education, so they may accommodate traumatized students and assist them as they learn to live past their traumas and thrive. Everyone is impacted by trauma. Some more obviously than others. Even so-called little-T traumas, like a bad fever, moving frequently, bullying, etc. add up. There is no stigma to being traumatized. And there are many tools for coping. Let's learn about them together, so we can fly far!
Finally, the future, is vastly unpredictable and quickly moving, changing, so we need both creative and critical thinking skills, which can be fostered through inspiring both an appreciation for tools available, from home-made to high-tech, and for the arts. Integrating these fields of learning into a larger network of educational opportunities creates opportunities for #STEAMPoweredLearning. As educators we can do so much more than instruct, we can provide easier access to information, share the tools of investigation, analysis and expression, empower both creative and critical thinking, and encourage them to meet tomorrow's challenges with less fear, in spite of yesterday's
Every now and again I accept students for academic coaching and tutoring. I am also available for educational consulting.
I adapted to my own personal health and life challenges by learning on the fly, taking those deep dives when possible to expand my understanding and place my learning within the context of the big picture of life (which I am fairly certain no one fully understands yet). So I am a dedicated student as much as a teacher. I also know how life challenges and traumas impact learning, how schools themselves can seem threatening places to some, preventing much healthy learning from taking place. None of this is the student's fault, yet they carry most of the blame. It is my goal to help these students rediscover the joys of learning without the stigma. And if I manage to do that AND inspire a little nature appreciation, that's a win for us all.
Another goal is to help other professionals understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on education, so they may accommodate traumatized students and assist them as they learn to live past their traumas and thrive. Everyone is impacted by trauma. Some more obviously than others. Even so-called little-T traumas, like a bad fever, moving frequently, bullying, etc. add up. There is no stigma to being traumatized. And there are many tools for coping. Let's learn about them together, so we can fly far!
Finally, the future, is vastly unpredictable and quickly moving, changing, so we need both creative and critical thinking skills, which can be fostered through inspiring both an appreciation for tools available, from home-made to high-tech, and for the arts. Integrating these fields of learning into a larger network of educational opportunities creates opportunities for #STEAMPoweredLearning. As educators we can do so much more than instruct, we can provide easier access to information, share the tools of investigation, analysis and expression, empower both creative and critical thinking, and encourage them to meet tomorrow's challenges with less fear, in spite of yesterday's
Every now and again I accept students for academic coaching and tutoring. I am also available for educational consulting.