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A Rockford educator teaches us how to think like a physicist | Teachers' Lounge Podcast

Marianna Ruggerio

On our show today, Marianna Ruggerio! She’s a physics teacher at Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois.

We talked about teaching students how to think like a physicist, what that means, and dispelling misconceptions about physics that might lead students to think it’s not a class for them.

“When you think about ‘Who is a physicist?’ people think of Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, you're thinking about old white guys who are geniuses, in their room coming up with these things all alone -- which is not how science is done!”

Marianna wants to infect her students with passion. She’s so thoughtful and enthusiastic about her work that it’s not surprising her students start to feel that enthusiasm too -- the infection spreading -- as they start thinking like physicist.

"I don't need a student to like my class. I know that I've done my job when a student says, 'Oh my gosh, I can't drive my car without thinking about physics anymore!' or 'I'm always seeing physics through everything, and it's driving me crazy!'"

We talk about all of that and so much more…

If you’ve never listened to Teachers’ Lounge before, our show is based on an idea -- we’ve all had teachers in our lives who shaped who we are. And we want to hear about the teachers who inspired you or deserve a spotlight in your community. Every educator we have on this podcast, whether teacher, coach, counselor or professor, is nominated by our listeners.

So, tell us about the person who comes to your mind. Shoot us an email and nominate an educator at teacherslounge@niu.edu and they could be on the podcast! And please subscribe to our Teachers' Lounge newsletter right here where you can stay up to speed on the show and share stories you think we should cover!

Also, Teachers’ Lounge is on the radio! Catch the show as an hour-long radio program, every month LIVE on 89-5 FM and streaming at WNIJ.org. We have multiple guests, stories, and exclusive segments. Tune in on the last Friday of the month at noon for future episodes. Our next episode airs on Friday, October 25th at noon and the next day, October 26th at 6 a.m.

Teachers' Lounge Podcast
Peter Medlin
Teachers' Lounge Podcast

SHOW NOTES

Educator in this episode:

Marianna Ruggerio

Music: Our show's theme music is from the northern Illinois-based band "Kindoves" and their songs "Popn," "Origins" and "Quiche." You can find more of their music on their Soundcloud page. You can also listen to the episode of WNIJ's Sessions from Studio A where they were featured.

Teachers! People who know teachers! People with stories about teachers! Send us an email and be part of the show!

Peter joins WNIJ as a graduate of North Central College. He is a native of Sandwich, Illinois.