Mark Damico
Assistant Professor of Education
B.S. Cornell University
M.S. Syracuse University
http://www.sailkids.com/
http://www.d1hockey.com/
406.657.1153
Tyler Hall 103
mark.damico@rocky.edu
Office Hours: M-TH 10:00-1:00
Biography
Learning occurs when the natural curiosity that exists within all of us rises to the surface and drives us to seek new information, explore new connections, make new discoveries, and find the answers to significant, relevant, and important questions. The vibrant sense of wonder and discovery that young children possess is remarkable; however this innate curiosity may become stifled by "formal" education. As children grow older, their motivation, needs, interests, and experiences become increasingly diverse and complex. In some cases, the powerful intrinsic motivation that was once overtly evident in their early years evolves or diminishes, fading into apparent dormancy as they move into adolescence. Excellent teachers bring young minds out of this dormancy. Thoughtful, caring, and creative approaches to teaching, motivate and actively engage students, rekindling their innate natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
In this rapidly changing, complex world, the value of an effective education has never been more important. Ever-changing content and standards have significantly raised the bar for student performance. In addition, the wide ranging skills, abilities, needs, and learning styles of an increasingly diverse population, creates added challenges for teachers. These challenges require highly effective, committed teachers, and innovative teaching methods.
Innovative teachers find ways to engage learners by tapping into each student's natural curiosity. Innovative teachers create dynamic learning environments that challenge, motivate, and excite young learners to ask new questions, seek new answers and find new solutions. Innovative teachers strive to create learning environments that engage and motivate, facilitate exploration and growth, and help young learners discover the power of knowledge, and the joy of learning.
Since I began teaching here in the Fall of 2008, my role at Rocky Mountain College has been to help new teachers discover ways to be innovative, effective, and excellent teachers.
Special Interests
I have traveled extensively, taught in an international school in Eastern Europe, sailed the Atlantic coast, and raced yachts in numerous offshore regattas. I teach sailing on my J/80 sailboat, Breakaway, coach ice hockey, and write about college hockey on my website. I'm a lifelong learner, and I try to use and share my experiences in the classroom to help others expand the way in which they think about teaching and learning.
Courses Taught
Writing Process K-12
Elementary Education Social Science Methods
Elementary Education Science Methods
Student Teaching Seminar
Foundations of Education
Elementary Education Math Methods
Children's Literature
Student Health and Safety
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Go out in the schools and in the community and get as much experience as you can working with kids. Apply the principles learned in your coursework to your field experiences, and develop an evolving philosophy of teaching and learning that is most effective for you and for your students.
What is your favorite class to teach and why?
I enjoy teaching all methods courses because my students have an opportunity to develop their teaching style and create effective and engaging lesson plans.
What is on your iPod?
Car Talk podcasts, Dave Matthews, The Grateful Dead, and a wide variety of other artists.
What is your favorite getaway location?
Anywhere in the mountains and National Parks.
