top of page

My Teaching Philosophy

            I think there are a lot of different ways that people arrive at the career of being a teacher and furthermore there are a lot of ways to teach kids effectively and in meaningful ways. My path being no better or worse than any others. Like most, I was heavily influenced by my high school teachers. The ones I am closest to are the ones I want to emulate. They taught the classes I want to teach, chemistry and physics, as well as engaged with students outside of the classroom in ways I want to as well, UIL academic events and STEM challenges. While I was still in high school, I wanted to be an engineer because I thought I enjoyed that type of work. However, from college I have learned that what I really enjoyed from those classes was how much I was learning and how much I enjoyed being with my classmates. My first teaching experience was my junior year. My AP chemistry teacher let me teach her pre-AP class during one of my off periods. Then, it did not mean much to me, but now I think about it often and how much more I enjoyed doing that than studying for UIL or a test. I loved how hands-on my STEM courses were, but the connection with other students really made it the best learning environment for me.

            When I teach, I want to have class like I did but improve it in a few ways. I want a hands-on class. I want students to see and feel the concepts they are learning about. That is why I want to focus a lot on lab experience. The write-up process of a lab report is important but will only serve as a way to evaluate and encourage students to truly try to understand the lab. However, I want to expand upon this in my class. For most AP classes, the test is early May so the class has a free month to do whatever they want. I would like to make this month a Maker Education project. Students apply what they learn to solve a community issue of theirs. For this month, I would mostly facilitate and brainstorm with students and have minimal instruction days. Throughout the year, students have learned a variety of concepts that they may not have seen why they are so important. This project gives them a chance to explore just that.

            As for day-to-day teaching, I would like to apply constructivist ideas. For me, lessons that implemented these ideas always stuck with me the longest. I want students to relate to what they are learning. I want them to be building on their background knowledge as well as working to help their classmates learn. I do not plan on lecturing at the front of the class everyday and expect students to only learn from taking notes. I want to keep students in their perfect zone of proximal development. I want to provide the scaffolding for their education to where they are truly learning something they can understand. If the material is too difficult for them to understand or if they already know it, the lesson is wasted. Having an emphasis on real world situations for my lesson will make the Maker Education project at the end of the year come more natural for them.

            Overall, I want a class that can help me teach them. Then, I want a class that wants to find ways to make their community a better place.

Resume

Education

The University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor of Science in Physics & Composite Science Teaching Certification (Grades 7-12)

Expected Graduation: December 2025

 

Experience

High School Tutor | JB Tutoring | Fall 2022 – Fall 2023

  • Provided one-on-one tutoring in AP Physics 1 & 2, AP Chemistry, Algebra, and Pre-Calculus.

  • Conducted weekly sessions to improve student comprehension and problem-solving skills.

Physics Learning Assistant | UT Austin | Spring 2023

  • Assisted in Engineering Physics I lectures by addressing student questions.

  • Led weekly discussion sessions and office hours to reinforce learning concepts.

  • Facilitated exams in collaboration with Teaching Assistants.

  • Completed a Physics Pedagogy course to improve instructional strategies and student engagement

UTeach Outreach PREP Intern | Summer 2023, 2024, & 2025

  • Educated 6th and 7th graders on Abilix Robotics through hands-on building activities.

  • Designed instructional materials and guided students through robotic builds.

  • Assisted with chemistry lessons for 2nd graders and organized classroom activities.

  • Managed logistics, including coordinating with Gregory Gym for sports activities.

  • Supported Physics and Electrical Engineering lessons for ninth graders

  • Explored and researched Arduino components to better educate students

UIL Student Assistant | Fall 2023 – Summer 2025

  • Supported UIL Academic conferences and competitions by organizing events.

  • Prepared and distributed medals and plaques for award ceremonies.

  • Digitized and updated archival materials for UIL resources.

  • Updated the UIL website and manage material upload for tournaments.

UTeach Outreach Electrical Engineering Course Intern | Fall 2024 – Spring 2025

  • Co-taught Electrical Engineering (EE) lessons for undergraduate students.

  • Provided feedback on student teaching practice and facilitated group discussions on educational equity.

  • Assisted students in challenging builds and improved lesson designs.

  • Developed and organized instructional materials for student-led STEM teaching experiences.

  • Redesigned lesson plans and learning goals to improve student understanding. 

UTeach Field Experience (50+ Classroom Hours)

  • Designed and taught 3rd grade math lessons on division and fractions.

  • Delivered 8th grade science lessons on weather and astronomy.

  • Led high school forensics lessons on psychology, fingerprinting, and serial killers.

  • Taught and supported high school physics lessons on waves, circuitry, and student autonomy.

 

Skills

  • Teaching & Tutoring:

    • Lesson Planning, Student Engagement, Classroom Instruction.

    • Phenomenon Based Teaching, Inquiry -Based Teaching Strategies, Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners.

    • Materials Management, Hands-on STEM Education.

  • Technical Skills: Microsoft Word & Excel (Certified), Educational Robotics, Simple Electronics and Circuit Design (Arduino) Statistical Analysis with Python, Scientific Writing and Documentation.

  • Soft Skills: Communication, Leadership, Public Speaking and Presentation, Conflict Resolution, Team Collaboration, Event Coordination, Problem-Solving.

 

Relevant Coursework

  • Mathematics: Calculus II, Differential Equations with Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Fundamental Functions and Regression Models.

  • Physics & Sciences: Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry 1 Laboratory, Engineering Physics I & II, Waves, Motion, and Optics, Modern Physics & Thermodynamics, Modern Laboratory, Quantum Mechanics, Classical Electrodynamics, and UTeach Research Methods.

  • Education & Pedagogy: Physics Pedagogy, UTeach Teaching Methods, UTeach Step 1 and 2, Knowing and Learning, Classroom Interactions, Perspectives on Science and Math, Project Based Instruction, and Final Field Experience.

 

Awards & Achievements​

  • Highest Ranking Graduate (Valedictorian, Lindale High School, Class of 2021)

  • TMSCA Top Gun Scholarship

    • Recognized as one of the highest scoring seniors Texas Math and Science Coaches Association STEM competitions.

  • The Welch Foundation Scholarship

    • Award by the Texas Interscholastic League Foundation (TILF) to students pursuing a chemistry-based degree at UT Austin

  • AISD Scholarship

    • Awarded to future teachers through UTeach in the last two years of their degree

Contact

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

bradenheizer@utexas.edu

bottom of page