Julia Olsen

CAPER Team / Steward Observatory

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CURRICULUM VITAE

JULIA K. OLSEN, Ph.D.    University of Arizona                       Teaching and Teacher Education
Tucson, AZ 85721      520.241.6205 (cell)       520.777.9257 (home)
jkolsen@u.arizona.edu

 

EDUCATION

Ph.D.                University of Arizona – Teaching and Teacher Education                     2007     Major:  Science Education; Minor:  Special Education
Dissertation: Impacts of Technology-Based, Differentiated Instruction on Special Needs Students in the Context of an Activity-Based Middle School Science Instructional Unit.  Committee: Dr. Timothy F. Slater, Dr. Walter Doyle, Dr. Kevin A. Vinson.

BA       University of Arizona – College of Education                                                     1989
Major: Elementary Education; Minor: Computer Science

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Science curriculum and course development focusing on differentiating instruction for diverse learners (students with special needs and students at-risk for school failure in particular) in K-12 classrooms.
• Utilizing student engagement with authentic data to promote inquiry in mathematics and science
• Preparation and professional development of science teachers, focusing on current and future educators who teach students with special needs

CERTIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 Certifications

2008 -		Community College Certification: Education, Special Education, Geosciences
1989 – present		Arizona Elementary Teaching Certificate
		Arizona Deaf Education Certification (K-12)
		Arizona Middle School Endorsement
		General Science Certification
		SEI Endorsement

Professional Experience

2009 - Present		Program Director, Southern Arizona Science and Math Internship Center. University of Arizona, College of Education. Adjunct Faculty. Education/Special Education/Geosciences. Pima Community College
2008		Adjunct Faculty. Elementary Education (Math, Science). University of Arizona South. Adjunct Faculty. Education/Special Education/Geosciences. Pima Community College Research Associate. College of Education, Teaching and Teacher Education. University of Arizona.
2007 - 2008     2007 - 2008		Research Associate and Post Doctoral Fellow.  Conceptual Astronomy and Physics Education Research (CAPER) Team, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona (0.5 FTE) Science Education Specialist, Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST)/National Optical Astronomy Observatories (NOAO), Tucson, AZ (0.5 FTE / temporary)
2006 - 2007		Project Manager, ECISST (Early Career Induction Support for Science Teachers).  Developed and fully implemented a mentoring program for new science teachers in three Southern Arizona school districts.
2005 - 2006		PhysTEC Teacher in Residence. University of Arizona. Co-taught two courses in College of Science Teacher Preparation Program. Supervised interns and student teachers. Developed and implemented testing of a middle school science curriculum modification for learning disabled students.
2004 - 2005		University of Arizona / College of Education. Coordinated and managed monthly meetings for ASIST induction to support early career science teachers.
Summer 2003		University of Arizona / College of Education Tucson AZ. Collaborated with College of Education faculty(math, science) to develop online course for teacher education.
2001 - 2005		PEPST (Partners in Education of Pre-Service Science Teachers) College of Science, University of Arizona. Focused on classroom observation and participation activities for students in science program as a component of coursework leading to student teaching experience and certification.
2002 - 2003		Project ASIST / U of A. Mentored early career (first-year) science teachers individually and as group to facilitate improvement in instructional practice and classroom management.
2001 -  2002		Doolen Middle School / Tucson USD. Facilitated “lesson study” based on Wiggins and McTighe (Understanding by Design) model for curriculum design.  Mentored teacher(s) in development of unit and lesson plans.
2001		University of Arizona / Extended University.  Developed and taught “Designing Your Own Classroom Website” for classroom teachers and others.
2000 - 2002		Intel ‘Teach to the Future’ Master Teacher. Conducted Intel sponsored classes for participating in-service and pre-service teachers through contract with Intel to provide technology training for educators.
2000 - 2001		A.S.S.E.T / NTTI (National Teacher Training Institute) State Conference. Development of unit plan modeled on research-based methodologies for instructional media.
1990 - 2000		University of Arizona / SEEK Program Tucson AZ.  Taught various classes for summer SEEK programs.  On—Site Administrator 1995-2000.
1990 - 2005		Teacher. Doolen Middle School, Tucson Unified School District.  Taught 7th grade science in full inclusion classroom.
1985 – 1989		Davidson Elementary School (K-5), Tucson Unified School District.  Set up, maintained and developed instructional activities for student and teacher use of first computer lab in the school.

UNIVERSITY TEACHING / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

(Selected)

Curriculum Development

• Co-Developer of Earth Systems Science Education Alliance module “Yucatan Impact”. (2008).  Available at http://esseacourses.strategies.org/module.php?module_id=52  . 
• Developed Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Framework for the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (2008). Unpublished.

Professional Development Workshops for College & University Faculty

• Physics by Design: Strategies and Technologies to Support Diverse Learners. American Association of Physics Teachers, Winter Meeting, 19 January 2008. Abstract on http://www.aapt.org/Events/workshopabs.cfm  
• Do student accommodations only mean I need to give them more time for the test? National Conference of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition, Boulder CO, March 2007.  
• Reducing Teacher Isolation: Induction and Mentoring.  National Conference of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition, Fayetteville AR, March 2007.  

 Graduate Courses for In-service Teachers

• Developed and taught Earth Systems Science, an online, Internet-delivered course for middle school teachers, Spring 2008.

Professional Development Workshops for In-service K-12 Teachers

• Developed and implemented Early Career Induction Support for Science Teachers (ECISST) project at the University of Arizona, a year-long mentoring program funded by the Arizona State Department of Education.
• Conducted technology-training workshops/classes for participating in-service and pre-service teachers through contract with Intel and Microsoft (Teach to the Future)

Undergraduate Courses for Pre-Service Teachers

• Developed and taught Earth Systems Science, an online course for elementary education majors Spring 2008 at the University of Arizona
• Developed and taught individualized courses in science methods, math methods, curriculum application, and special education for elementary education majors at Prescott College, Tucson
• Co-taught Earth Science Teaching Methods at the University of Arizona for upper-level undergraduate secondary science education majors using an inquiry-based instructional strategy
• Co-taught Science Instruction in the Secondary Schools at the University of Arizona for upper level undergraduate secondary science education majors.  Developed ‘science for students with special needs’ module for the course

MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONS

Invited Presentations

•  Olsen, J.K. (2008). Using RTOP: A workshop on teacher mentoring. Physics Teacher Education Coalition. 2008 Annual Conference, Austin TX. 1 March. Abstract on http://www.ptec.org/conferences/2008/workshops.cfm
• Olsen, J.K. (2008). RTOP Implementation to Improve Teaching & Learning. 2008 Winter Meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers, Baltimore MD, January. http://www.aapt.org/AbstractSearch/index.cfm?MID=WM08
• Olsen, J. K. (2007). Do student accommodations only mean I need to give them more time for the test?  National Conference of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition, Boulder, CO. 4 March. Abstract on http://www.compadre.org/ptec/conferences/2007workshops.cfm#Olsen
• Freeland, D. & Olsen, J.K. (2006).  Reducing Teacher Isolation: Induction and Mentoring.  National Conference of the Physics Teacher Education Coalition, Fayetteville AR, 25 March. Abstract on http://www.ptec.org/conferences/loader.cfm?url=/commonspot/security/getfile.cfm&PageID=2857   
• Olsen, J. K. (2006). Development of a Computer-Based Resource for Inclusion Science Classrooms. 2006 Winter Meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers, Anchorage AK, 24 January. Abstract on http://www.aapt.org/AbstractSearch/FullAbstract.cfm?KeyID=12279
• Runyon, C. & Olsen, J. K. (2006).  Making K-12 science accessible.  Arizona State University Mars Educator Workshop, Tempe AZ, 25 March

Refereed Publications

• Olsen, J. K., & Slater, T.F. (2008). Impact of Modifying Activity-Based Instructional Materials for Special Needs Students in Middle School Astronomy. Astronomy Education Review.
• Slater, T.F., Parker, S., & Olsen, J. K. (2008). Benefits and barriers to using online data in K-12 classrooms. Astronomy Education Review.
• Olsen, J K in Space Science is for Everyone: Lessons from the Field. (2008). College of Charleston and National Aeronautics & Space Administration. Runyon, C., Hall, C. & Heitger, C., eds. Available on www.nasa.gov/pdf/259240main_Space_Science_Is_for_Everyone.pdf

Other Publications and Presentations

• Olsen, J.K. and Borne, K.D. (2007). LSST Survey Data: Models for EPO Interaction. Eos Trans. AGU, 88(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract ED51B-0428
• Olsen, J.K. and Slater, T.F. (2007). Impacts of Technology-Based Differentiated Instruction on Students with Special Needs. Eos Trans. AGU, 88(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract ED51B-0427
• Jacoby, S., Olsen, J.K., Schultz, S.E. & Nichols, M.  (2008).  LSST EPO: Understanding by Design. Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series: Epo And A Changing World: Creating Linkages and Expanding Partnerships.  Abstract on: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2007mtg/fullprogram07.pdf  
• Olsen, J.K. & Slater, T.F.  (2008). Results of Modifying Astronomy Curriculum for Special Needs Students Using Best Practices. Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series: Epo And A Changing World: Creating Linkages And Expanding Partnerships. Abstract on: http://www.astrosociety.org/events/2007mtg/fullprogram07.pdf  
• Olsen, J. K. (2007). Integrating technology in diverse classrooms. National Science Teachers Association National Conference. St Louis MO. 29 Mar 2007. Abstract on http://www.nsta.org/conferencebrowse/&Meeting_Code=2007STL&type=Presentation   
• Olsen, J. K. & Slater, T.F. (2007). Impact of Inquiry-Oriented Curriculum Materials Modified to Provide Better Access for Special Needs Students. AAS/AAPT Joint Winter Meeting. Abstract on http://www.aapt.org/Events/WM2007/upload/WM07%20Abstracts.pdf  
• Olsen, J.K. and Isola, D. (2006). A Quiet Revolution in Preparing Future Teachers of Physics. APS Forum on Education Newsletter. Fall 2006/Spring 2007. Available on http://units.aps.org/units/fed/newsletters/fall06-spring07/  
• Olsen, J.K.  (2006). The Elegant Universe (Websights). The Physics Teacher, Vol. 44, No. 7, p. 479.
• Olsen, J.K. (2006). Empowering All Learners (workshop).  PhysTEC/Pre-AAPT Summer Conference. Syracuse NY, 20-21 July.
• Olsen, J.K. (2006). Astronomy Inquiry for Students with Special Needs.  National Science Teachers Association National Conference. Anaheim CA, 7 April.
• Olsen, J. K. (2006). ASISTing New Teachers to Survive the Early Years. 2006 Winter Meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers, Anchorage AK, 23 January. Abstract available http://www.aapt.org/AbstractSearch/FullAbstract.cfm?KeyID=12319  
• Olsen, J.K. & Slater, T.F. (2005). Development of a Computer-Based Resource for Inclusion Science Classrooms. Abstract available Eos Trans. AGU, 86(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract ED43B-0849.
• 2005 SAMEC (Science and Mathematics Education Conference) “Inclusion Science: Educating diverse students in the science classroom”
• 2004 AzSTA presenter (Arizona Science Teachers Association). “Science and diversity”
• 2003 Science in-service training. Tucson Unified School District.  “Physics with auto racing” utilizing technology in classroom processes.
• 2002 SAMEC (Science and Mathematics Education Conference). Area Conference.  “Technology in science classrooms”.
• 2002 SECME (South Eastern Consortium for Minorities in Engineering) National Conference.  “Crime Lab” thematic curriculum design for inquiry learning in middle school science.

Grant Writing Activities

• Southern Arizona Science and Math Internship Center (2008). Science Foundation Arizona. To establish center for 3-year programs incorporating paid teacher internships in math/science industries coupled with a Master of Arts degree in TTE.
• Special Adventures in Astronomy (SEA). (2008, in review).  Department of Education/Institute for Education Studies. For development of web-based instructional materials for students with learning disabilities, in middle school astronomy education.

• Early Career Induction Support for Science Teachers (ECISST).  (2006-2007). Arizona Board of Regents/Improving Teacher Quality, Project Manager.

 

Recent Collaborators (non-exhaustive): Cassandra Runyon (College of Charleston); Carolyn Willard (UC Berkeley); Drew Isola, Marcia Fetters (Western Michigan University);  Walter Doyle, Bruce Johnson, Ingrid Novodvorsky (University of Arizona), Nicole Ofeish (CSU Hayward), Timothy Slater (University of Wyoming); Jack Hehn (American Institute of Physics); Theodore Hodapp (American Physical Society), Paul Hickman (Physics Teacher Education Coalition)

SERVICE

·       Committee on Pre-High School Education, American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) 2006-present/ Committee Chair 2009-2010.

·       Arizona Educational Proficiency Assessment for Middle School Science Development Team, Arizona Department of Education, Phoenix AZ 2006 – 2007

·       Southeastern Regional Clearinghouse (SERCH) funded by NASA's Science Mission Directorate, member of the Exceptional Needs Working Group. (2005, Huntsville AL, 2006 Boston MA, 2007 San Juan PR)

Professional Memberships

·       Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)

·       American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)

·       American Educational Research Association (AERA)

·       American Astronomical Society (AAS)

·       The National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST)

·       American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

·       American Geophysical Union (AGU)

·       Earth System Science for Education Alliance (ESSEA)

References

Timothy F. Slater, Ph.D.
University of Wyoming
Excellence in Higher Education
Endowed Chair in Science Education
Cell: 520-975-1373
timslaterwyo@gmail.com

 Bruce Johnson, PhD
Department Head, Teaching and Teacher Education
University of Arizona
P.O. Box 210069
Tucson, AZ 85721-0069 USA
Phone: 1 520 626-8700
Fax: 1 520 621-7877
brucej@email.arizona.edu
Web: www.ed.arizona.edu/johnson

 Ingrid Novodvorsky, Ph.D.
Director
University of Arizona
College of Science Teacher Preparation Program
Physics Department
1118 E 4^th Street
Tucson, AZ   85721
Phone: 520-626-4187
Fax: 520-621-4721
novod@email.arizona.edu

 

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