Team Teaching, K-12 Philip Bigler and Sheri Maeda Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Fairfax County, VA Teaching in a governor's magnet school for students interested in science and technology, Philip and Sheri teach Advanced Placement US History, an interdisciplinary course focusing on American history, literature, fine arts, and culture. Their classroom reflects a belief that often the most profound learning occurs beyond the confines of the classroom. Located near the nation's capital, Philip and Sheri draw on a wealth of speakers and resources that add personal involvement and immediacy to their history studies. "Together and individually they are everything a teacher should be. Intense layering of content, skills, rich experiences and real world connections are typical of Sheri and Phil's work. Amazingly, they are able to provide these rich, varied experiences and bring home outstanding scores on the Advance Placement exam for US History." - Roger P. Green, Humanities Division Manager, Thomas Jefferson High School "Simulations and hands-on activities are integral parts of the teaching methods of Mr. Bigler and Ms. Maeda. No class period goes by when I do not feel intensely involved in the subject we are 'studying' - maybe 'living' would be a better way to phrase it. Some teachers just teach. Mr. Bigler and Ms. Maeda live the lesson with their students." - Adele Paz, student 1999 Highlights: Students annually interview veterans using oral histories and research to write original plays and dramatic monologues based on the soldiers' lives. The climax of the event is individual students presenting their projects to the veteran they interviewed. Philip was the 1998 National Teacher of the Year and a Milken Foundation National Education Award winner. Philip has also assisted teachers in Thailand, Japan, and Germany to incorporate technology into learning as well as working on curriculum for Discovery Channel and National Geographic Society. Sheri and three other teachers and eight Irish educators are spearheading the Irish-American cultural exchange through the Department of Education and Kennedy Center with the Irish Ministry of Education. As an adjunct professor at George Mason University, Sheri teaches Writing and Learning to K-12 teachers. Philip is a published historian and Sheri an exhibited artist.