Inspiring Science Teachers

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Jaime Clark, an 8th grade earth science teacher in American Falls.

Jaime shared an engaging activity with rocks and minerals, what intrigues her about metamorphic rock, and a great science fair event she runs each year that involves the elementary, the high school and the community.

Jaimie also talked about how much better she has become at training students to work in groups and being vulnerable with kids about what you don't know as the teacher. 

This is good stuff, so let's get to it.

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed ReBekha Lulu a former elementary teacher and now the STEM Hub Coordinator for Southwest Idaho. ReBekha shared a great lesson involving 3D printing, a new Student Leadership program in STEM for 6-12 graders, and upcoming STEM convenings throughout the state.

There are two things that ReBekha said that I really loved. The first came as she was giving us her definition of STEM--she said it's all the skills we want our students to do in Life.  I really like how she famed that. And the second came  when I asked her how a teacher can get started with doing more STEM--she said to start with a lesson that really lights you up already, and work to add something STEM related that makes it even better. I love it when teachers give us a small nugget of advice that makes it easier to get started. And I think you're going to love a lot more of what she had to say, so let's jump in. 

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Gina Kwid, a 2nd grade teacher and a STEM enthusiast!  Gina shared a great milkweed experiment she did with her kids, talked about the importance of networking, and summarized that STEM skills are really about being a thinker.

This year Gina was recognized as state finalist for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Congratulations Gina!! Of these finalists, our state superintendent of public instruction Debbie Critchfield said, “This award highlights Idaho educators who have gone above and beyond in opening doors in STEM for our youngest learners. These remarkable instructors have created a space for students to explore STEM topics with comfort and curiosity."

I love that last phrase-explore STEM topics with comfort and curiosity-and feel like that is a great description of Gina's style with her students.  Let's jump in.

This episode marks the podcast's two years anniversary and I'm very happy with how things have gone.  My goal was, and still is, to simply share the good stuff from those who are in the trenches, you all who are continually learning and improving your craft every day in classrooms.  I wanted to showcase regular teachers who are doing inspiring things and that would hopefully encourage and inspire us all to keep up the good and challenging work we do every day in our profession.

For this episode, my colleague Becky and I interviewed Dr Cecila Gillam, a high school science teacher from New Orleans, LA. We had a great conversation as she shared a favorite lesson about the water crisis and students building prototypes of devices to create clean drinking water, the importance of hands-on science, the need to diversify our portfolio of ed tech tools, and removing barriers for getting more underrepresented students into STEM courses. Cecelia is what I would consider an amitious teacher, but is also keenly focused on building relationships and empowering students. Let's jump in.

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Tanya Elmer, a high school chemistry teacher and the president of the Idaho Science Teaching Association. She shared about her "Famous Chocolate Lab"  which is an engaging activity that helps students better understand intermolecular forces.  She also talked about what she's learned about leadership and the importance of getting involved.  My favorite part though was when she shared a poignant teacher memory about a difficult student named Justin.  Years later, he came back to visit her and when she heard his story, she turned to her student teacher and said, "We don't do this because we love Chemistry, we do this because of kids like Justin".  It's a great reminder for us all and I know you'll want to hear it, so let's jump in.

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Andrea Baerwald, the Science Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Education. We had some great conversations about professional development, getting involved with state-led committees and using the state science coaches.  She also shared a favorite lesson called "Outrageous Organisms" that grew from a fun and engaging activity to became more of an anchor phenomenon that was re-visited multiple times throughout the year. And that came about because of a great collaborative relationship with her teaching partner. Andrea's insights and optimism are refreshing and left me feeling motivated to a better job communicating to teachers the great things that are happening in our state.

For the kickoff to season 3, I interviewed 4 teachers (Jacob, Allyson, Jeff, and Britton) at the annual STEM conference held this year in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. We chatted about what they felt inspired to do from the conference and/or what inspires them in general. They shared some great takeaways and insights. And I think you'll find this particularly interesting: two of them are team teachers and married! Also as a first on the show, we'll be playing some student clips, which I'm excited for you to hear.

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Daisey Horner, a high school science teacher from Idaho Fine Arts Academy in Meridian.  One of the things that she shared was of her challenges in seeing students struggle with confidence and how she has tried to help.  In preparation for this interview, she asked her students what they thought about the culture in her class and one of them said, "We Trust You".  I can't stop thinking about how significant that is. They trust her because she has built relationships with them.  She goes to their performances; she DJ's their dances. She knows them and they know her.  That takes an investment. And when you invest in students, in the long run, it always pays off.

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Karen Miller, an 8th grade physical science teacher at Eagle Middle School in the Boise area. Karen is retiring after this year and since she's from our home district we have worked with her many times and had a fantastic conversation about what's she's learned over her 33 year career. One of her tips for us was to get kids to ask their own questions as often as possible, because (and I loved this line): Questions get kids to reconnect with their curiosity! The conversation was filled with good stuff like that and it really made me reflect: What do I want my former students to remember from my classes?  Karen had a great answer, so let's get to it.

For this episode, I interviewed Natalie Moerer, a 1st grade teacher at Hansen Elementary in southern Idaho. Natalie has lived and taught abroad and so has a unique perspective on the importance of supporting multilingual Learners.  She also is firm believer in strong classroom management skills and building a class culture where students try to better themselves and cheer each other on, rather than compete against each other! And it was clear, throughout the whole conversation that Natalie works at building relationships with students, that she enjoys it, and that she is skilled at finding where they are and helping them move to where they need to be.