Michael Otoole

Background

About Michael Otoole

I have been immersed in education and coaching for more than eighteen years. My love of learning has led to a BA in Geography with a concentration in Environmental Analysis from the University of Louisville, followed by a Masters of Arts in Teaching degree. My work in the classroom focused on the areas of both physical and cultural geography as well as Earth system science. Throughout my career as an educator I have been exposed to the diverse areas of environmental education and curriculum development. I currently conceptualize, design, modify and implement international instructional courses, modules and materials in Earth science for K-16 learners and educators. including several multi-media classroom visualizations and self-populating Google Earth visualizations to connect the study of climate with students awareness of community location. The Xpedition Project's goal is to promote student research of climate. Students gather baseline data and share their results with peers around the world. In conjunction with this project I had the opportunity to work with former Vice President Al Gore and the Climate Project. I have also had the opportunity to work with National Geographic in the past as a Geography Action Coordinator for the State of Kentucky and have met with members of the U.S. Congress to promote geographic literacy in our nation’s schools. My time spent in the classroom, as a swim coach, and as the leader of the Xpedition project have required me to manage the growth and development of several hundred students on a daily basis. Outside of the classroom, I have developed and implemented an Earth science curriculum for St. Xavier High School, authored lesson plans and content for the Xpedition’s web-site and have led professional development seminars for local educators. I am very interested in increasing geographic and scientific knowledge as well as promoting the importance of conserving and protecting our natural resources. Specialties: Curriculum development, Project management, Educational Visualizations, International science research projects