Sometimes, when you’re a scientist, research can feel a little removed. When Dr. Kevin Siehl, an eighth grade science teacher at Dr. Joseph F. Pollack Academic Center for Excellence (PACE Academy), decided he wanted a change, teaching was the answer. Our tuition-free K-8 elementary school in Southfield, Michigan, is the better for that move and we want to share more about this extraordinary teacher.
What do you teach and what do you love about your role at PACE Academy?
8th Grade Science. I love science and I love teaching. There are numerous challenges that come with teaching, including keeping students engaged and conveying ideas that they understand and absorb, each in their own unique way. These are challenges that PACE Academy equips us to meet, with their excellent team.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at PACE Academy.
My background is in experimental particle physics. I chose to leave the research field for teaching. PACE Academy has excellent staff and an excellent support team.
Tell us about a couple favorite activities at PACE Academy.
In my class, I try to let the students try science for themselves in a hands-on manner. Class experiments are exciting to the students, and I teach them the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and Earth and space science.
The students' celebration of Cinco De Mayo as well as the staff versus student basketball games are pretty entertaining PACE activities!
Can you give us an example of using any of PACE Academy’s social emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom?
I have seen scholars who are struggling use the Leader in Me 7 Habits of Highly Effective People program to get themselves back on track, and it makes a big difference in their performance.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader?
Someone who is willing to keep improving and is aware of their own limitations.
What else would you like to share about yourself?
I collect playing cards; I have over 200 decks at home. I love the linux operating system; I install linux on all of my computers. I also like to read books on mathematics.
It’s not too late to join Dr. Siehl and all of our great teachers and administrators at our close-knit and engaged tuition-free K-8 elementary school by calling us at (248) 569-1060 and enroll today!