Jonathan Knopp

Rufus King International Baccalaureate High School (Retired)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What do you teach at your school?
I taught different levels of biology (including Higher Level IB biology toseniors) and chemistry.

How long have you been a teacher?
I have been a teacher since 1964 when I taught various secondary schoolcourses in Malaysia, as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Describe an instance that made you particularly proud to be a teacher.
Anytime that I hear about the achievements and accomplishments of former students, I am proud to have been a part of their educational journey.

List any teaching awards you have won.

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Gala Tribute to Teaching Award, 1997
• Herb Kohl Teacher Fellowship, 1996
• Wisconsin Science Olympiad Outstanding Coach Award,1995
• Tandy Technology Scholars Outstanding Teacher-Nationalfinalist, 1993
• Wisconsin Bell Ameritech Teacher Recognition, Bronze Award,1992
• Westinghouse Science Talent Search-Certificate of Honor, 1991
• U.S. Dept. of Energy Teacher Research Associate to Lawrence Berkeley Lab,1989

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy playing tennis, jogging, bird watching, gardening, traveling and reading.

What books are on your nightstand right now?
"Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" by Jared Diamond, "Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes" by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein, and "What Is Life?" by Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan.

Why do you like to train other teachers?
I like to share new ideas and developments and anticipate what will excite teachers or interest them.

Why do you choose to teach in the teacher professional development programs at Rice in particular?
There is enjoyable and stimulating interaction with supportive faculty and staff and teacher participants who are eager to stretch their minds.

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