For my first semester as a credentialed teacher, I taught seventh grade life science at a small private school in San Diego. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of students there and the wonderful community support from parents and staff. At the end of the first semester, I found out about an open science teacher position at the middle school where I had student taught. I applied, was interviewed, and was offered the position.
Now, it does not seem like it has been almost ten years since I inherited a classroom at my current school. This classroom does not look the same as it did when I began teaching in it. After a year or two teaching there, the building was updated. I had to box up any and all supplies for storage and teach in a portable for several years. Upon return, there were no more home economics storage cabinets and the kitchen-sized refrigerator magically disappeared.
As a new teacher, I went through BTSA with approximately one hundred other colleagues. I also served as the Science Department Chair very early on. I used the overhead projector quite a bit back then! I also kept current with my science teaching skills by participating in a mentorship program as an AMGEN New Science Teacher Academy fellow and attending the national NSTA (National Science Teachers’ Association) conference.
Over the years, I have taught both seventh and eighth grade science classes. I have been the advisor to the Asian Club on campus. I have helped maintain and foster student interest in the evolving school garden. In terms of academics, I have been on my site’s curriculum leadership team and have represented the science department at numerous district curriculum meetings.
This past summer I spent time as a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher at Cabrillo National Monument. I was so thankful for the opportunity. I spent time at a place with one of the best San Diego views! I did research on owl limpets and tide pool monitoring. I developed a curriculum that will be implemented this spring at my school and several others throughout San Diego county.
Currently, I teach four classes of seventh grade science, and I am the site curriculum specialist for science. I help teachers out with troubleshooting technology issues and lead teacher technology professional development. I am also the teacher advisor to the student run help desk, the Mayan Genius Bar.
I have come to what will be the end of this post about my professional experience and realize that I have a lot more of a story to tell. I have lot of details within me that cannot be expressed in a few short paragraphs. I am beginning to realize how much my story is part of who I am, and I am learning through writing that I want to continue to share my story.