I always grew up liking science. I was the kid that asked for a science kit for my birthday instead of a toy, but I just LOVED to see reactions happen! I knew as a teenager that I wanted to major in science and got my undergraduate degree in chemistry from Spelman College. However, I did not know I wanted to become a teacher after I graduated. I have worked in various research settings including NASA, and Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, but I always felt there was a small piece missing and I knew that piece was connecting my content knowledge of science to young children and teenagers. I know for a fact I would not have loved science as a kid as much as I did without the education I received both in and outside of the classroom. So, I decided to get a master's in science education and I finally landed in a place that I feel I belong.
Since I began teaching I have had several opportunities to continue with my interest in research through RET (Research for Experienced Teachers) at Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern University. It's nice to still have opportunities to get back into the lab setting and think in ways I often don't when teaching. Most recently, I was granted an MSUrban STEM fellowship that will help me integrate STEM into my classroom. As an educator, I believe it is my job to continue learning because my students will benefit from that. I never want to feel like I have reached my peak in my craft so I will continue to look for ways to improve. The journey of being an urban educator has been challenging but rewarding and I am glad I made the choice to transition from the lab setting to the classroom where I can use what I have learned to motivate my students to think "like a scientist".
When I am not teaching, you can usually find me discovering a new restaurant in the city, cooking up a new meal with my partner Sean, or lounging at home with our incredible dog Henry.
Since I began teaching I have had several opportunities to continue with my interest in research through RET (Research for Experienced Teachers) at Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern University. It's nice to still have opportunities to get back into the lab setting and think in ways I often don't when teaching. Most recently, I was granted an MSUrban STEM fellowship that will help me integrate STEM into my classroom. As an educator, I believe it is my job to continue learning because my students will benefit from that. I never want to feel like I have reached my peak in my craft so I will continue to look for ways to improve. The journey of being an urban educator has been challenging but rewarding and I am glad I made the choice to transition from the lab setting to the classroom where I can use what I have learned to motivate my students to think "like a scientist".
When I am not teaching, you can usually find me discovering a new restaurant in the city, cooking up a new meal with my partner Sean, or lounging at home with our incredible dog Henry.