Personal Biography
My name is Mr. Benjamin Hurley. I am a 2003 graduate of Frostburg State University having earned my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood / Elementary Education and my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Educational Technology. Being my 16th year teaching, I am very excited now be teaching for the 3rd year in a row our new Coding, STEM and Technology class in the elementary school. This is a one-of-a-kind class in our county with our school being the only school to bring a dedicated Coding and STEM class opportunity to our students in PreK through 5th grade. This fantastic opportunity is made possible with the enthusiastic support of my school administration.
In 2009, I also completed my Administration and Supervision II Certification through Hood College. Also in 2009, I began teaching various Lego Programming and Design classes during the Hagerstown Community College summer College for Kids program. Check out our website out http://cfklego.weebly.com. My professional interests are in STEM and Computer Science Education in the Elementary Classroom. My past teaching experience includes:
2003-2006 Technology Education - Springfield Middle School
2006-2007 4th Grade - Eastern Elementary
2007-2014 5th Grade - Pangborn Elementary
2014-2016 4th Grade - Pangborn Elementary
2016-present STEM and Computer Science Teacher - Pangborn Elementary
I live in Pennsylvania with my wife, who also teaches in Washington County, and our three children Conner, Addison and Cameron. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, working on and fixing computers, spending some vacation time at Deep Creek Lake and Myrtle Beach, boating, camping, hiking/backpacking, and rooting for the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Penguins (thanks to my wife!).
In 2009, I also completed my Administration and Supervision II Certification through Hood College. Also in 2009, I began teaching various Lego Programming and Design classes during the Hagerstown Community College summer College for Kids program. Check out our website out http://cfklego.weebly.com. My professional interests are in STEM and Computer Science Education in the Elementary Classroom. My past teaching experience includes:
2003-2006 Technology Education - Springfield Middle School
2006-2007 4th Grade - Eastern Elementary
2007-2014 5th Grade - Pangborn Elementary
2014-2016 4th Grade - Pangborn Elementary
2016-present STEM and Computer Science Teacher - Pangborn Elementary
I live in Pennsylvania with my wife, who also teaches in Washington County, and our three children Conner, Addison and Cameron. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family, working on and fixing computers, spending some vacation time at Deep Creek Lake and Myrtle Beach, boating, camping, hiking/backpacking, and rooting for the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Penguins (thanks to my wife!).
About Our Learning Lab
Started in 2016, our "Learning Lab" has evolved over the years. It all started a week in December, with my then 5th grade class, participating in Hour of Code activities. My principal, Mr. Eric Meredith, saw the positive level of engagement and excitement in my students and we began the discussions. Over the next 2 years many conversations took place regarding structure, materials, and logistics between myself and my entire school administration along with various content supervisors and Superintendent office regarding the implementation of an elementary Computer Science and STEM class. In April, 2016, it was decided to create a class in the current Encore (PE, Art, Music, and Media) rotation. Our first year in 2016-2017 was well-received and we have been working to grow the program since.
Elementary age students are focused on exploration and experimentation with a variety of skills. Pre-K through 2nd grade focus on teamwork, social and various STEM skills. While all grades also participate in introductory computational thinking and coding activities, 3rd through 5th grade focuses on computational thinking through STEM, coding and computer science skills.
Elementary age students are focused on exploration and experimentation with a variety of skills. Pre-K through 2nd grade focus on teamwork, social and various STEM skills. While all grades also participate in introductory computational thinking and coding activities, 3rd through 5th grade focuses on computational thinking through STEM, coding and computer science skills.