Welcome!

Hello! My name is Carmen Shugert, and I would like to share with you a little about me. I have been happily married for 30 years with a handsome electrical engineer, and have three wonderful boys, two of them working in the IT world, and the other is about to finish his PhD in Nuclear Physics in NY. We recently moved to Tucson to get away from the extreme heat of Phoenix. I really enjoy nature, reading, and hiking, but I especially like to do anything that challenges me and takes me to the edge; however skydiving is absolutely out of the question! Even though I am a little introverted, I have found that when I am around students I am certain that that is my place and what I love to do. I can confidently say that teaching is my hobby!

My Education and Professional Background

I hold a BS in Civil Engineering, and worked for three years in the industry as a contractor for Ford Motor Co. I have also a Masters Degree in Curriculum Development and Instruction from NAU. I am certified to teach secondary mathematics, PLTW curriculum in Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics.  I have been teaching mathematics since 2004 at Chandler High School in the Chandler district. I started the engineering program at CHS in 2013, and was teaching three levels of honors engineering courses before moving to Tucson. I am fortunate to say that teaching is my passion and enjoy being around my students.

My Educational Philosophy

As an engineer and mathematics teacher, I firmly believe that students need to be prepared to tackle the challenges that our ever-changing world is facing. I agree, they need to learn the academic content i.e.: Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, etc. However, it is imperative that as a teacher I help students connect the content with authentic and meaningful applications, so students understand and appreciate the value in learning.

One important skill to be successful in learning, actually in any content area regardless of the student’s ability, is by learning about and using Metacognition. “Metacognition is the mental process that learners use to understand and monitor their own thinking. When students understand how they approach learning and doing as an individual, they are better prepared to self-reflect, shift their strategy, and succeed in their task or understanding” (PLTW). Every student takes and process information differently. Metacognition is a skill students will learn and use in class.

Same as important as learning content, students need to learn and experience problem-solving using creative thinking, utilize brainstorming to find all possible solutions to a problem collaboratively, communicate their ideas/solutions effectively, and test those solutions; all this without the underlying fear of making mistakes, even after considering the option to start all over again. Be assured that making mistakes is a valuable part of learning, especially when there is a will to understand the reasons behind those mistakes.

Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was
Theodore Von Karman, Aerospace Engineer