Ben Spicer, a long-time teacher at Sewickley Academy outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has taught everything from math to robotics during his 18-year tenure--but physics is where his passion lies. Ben has completed every NJCTL physics course and is now finishing the final classes to earn a master's degree.

"I was looking for ways to sharpen my saw and keep growing as a teacher," Ben says. "I didn't need another master's degree--I already have one, and I'm certified in physics. But every NJCTL course gave me something valuable; a new way to look at a concept, better formative assessment questions, or just more confidence in how I teach."

When Ben first heard about NJCTL what stood out to him was the flexible, asynchronous format. "That made it possible," he explains. "With teaching robotics and physics, and playing a helpful role in our school's technical theatre program, I couldn't commit to a traditional grad course with strict deadlines. The ability to work at my own pace removed a huge barrier."

At Sewickley Academy, Ben does far more than teach in the classroom. He also helps with the school's theatre productions, assisting with everything from sound design to building stage sets. "There are times when I feel like it's my full-time job," he laughs. "I've been doing sound and audio engineering for close to 30 years. I started helping out when I saw our former theatre director overwhelmed and it turned into a big part of how I connect with my students outside the physics lab."

This hands-on work with sound and construction allows Ben to demonstrate how physics operates in real-world settings. It also pulls in students who might not otherwise see themselves in the arts. "A lot of my technical students--the ones who want to be engineers--can get more hands-on experience in theatre than in robotics," he says. "It's fast-paced, real problem-solving. You don't have time to iterate. You've got to figure out the best plan and build it by tomorrow. That's the fun."

Ben's love for teaching physics runs deep. "What I really enjoy about physics is that you can't fake it," he says, "You have to make a claim, support it with evidence and reasoning, and see if it holds up. I like that I can't cheat myself or anyone willing to hear my claims. And I love that I get to be creative every day--designing labs, building things, thinking differently."

Ben enjoyed his experience with NJCTL. The flexible format made learning possible alongside a busy schedule filled with classes, robotics, and theatre productions. "I think for a lot of people the biggest barrier to professional development is timing. In having all classes be completely online and asynchronous, NJCTL removed that barrier. If you're willing to spend just a little bit of money, it's a no-lose situation."

With his passion for teaching, physics, and hands-on learning, there is no doubt the positive impact he is having on his students. We can't wait to see where this takes him next!