Inspiring Science Teachers

For this episode, Becky and I interviewed Tama Naden, a kindergarten teacher at Orofino Elementary School in North Central Idaho. Tama is a 30 yr veteran and she some shared some really great thoughts with us.  Here were some of my favorite lines: "Hope starts in schools"; "Teachers love to learn"; "Our profession demands collaboration"; "It's not best for kids when they feel rushed or stressed"; "I can't do anything without the team and that means community members as well"; "I did not need to be the disseminator of all knowledge"; "Never give up on a student"; and "The thing that means the most is when my students as adults come up to me and say that I made an impact on their life".

For this episode, I interviewed Liesel Christensen, a teacher at Pocatello High School. Liesel shared how she is focusing on shifting her labs from a traditional format to more of a true investigation where they get to use their agency to dig into the content. It was clear that she wants her students to experience the wonder of science. As a good example of this, as she spoke about why she likes dissections, she said, "seeing the complexity of life, allows me to value it more." Liesel thoughts were encouraging and focused on the good teachers already do and the power of making small changes. Finally, Liesel shared a personal experience of going through cancer treatment and how learning about the medicine itself and how it targets the cancer cells has been fascinating, but being able to share that with students to better help them understand why they are learning these biological concepts, has been very impactful for her and for them. Her students have responded in beautiful ways. I felt so inspired after our converstation and hope that you will be as well.

For this episode, I interview Jess Young, a middle science teacher in the Vallivue School District.  Jess has 25 years of teaching experience, is passionate about science and helping 6th graders transition to middle school, and she raved about a recent externship that she says has been next -level PD for her.  Last month she

For this episode, Becky and I, interview Ashley Schaffner, the STEM ecosystem hub coordinator for the south central and eastern part of the Idaho (ISEE STEM). She'll explain more of that later as well as give us a broader understanding of the definition of STEM. Ashely has a great passion for getting kids thinking and solving real world problems. In particular, we loved her lesson on "Coding Each Other"! This is good stuff.

For this episode, my colleague Becky Feekes and I, interviewed the Idaho Science Coaches that work for the State Department of Education. Their job is to go out and help teachers improve science instruction, teacher by teacher and school by school. I loved the tips they shared, but if I'm being honest, I loved their stories of why and how they got into education the most. These coaches have fantastic insights, are great thinking partners, are located in all regions of the state, and best of all, are paid by the state department, so its completely free for teachers and schools. I really think you're going to enjoy their thoughts. Let's jump in.

1:22 McKenzie Sonderegger

7:56 Sara Tolman

14:30 Erika Meadows

21:59 Wendy Snyder

33:38 Marci Barrett

45:00 Lee Slichter

See more info about them at https://www.sde.idaho.gov/academic/science/regional-science-coaches.html

This episode is a series of short interviews with teachers at the 2023 Idaho STEM conference. They were asked one question: what do you do at the beginning of the year to develop a positive classroom culture?  Their answers were interesting. Although those interviewed taught various grades from elementary to high school, certain themes emerged: connecting with others, feeling safe, and learning to trust; having shared experiences with each other in science; and sending a clear message that it is OK to fail. 

For this episode, I got to sit down with Dr. Melyssa Ferro, a middle school science teacher. Melyssa shares a great learning experience involving water testing at a local lake. She also discusses the teachers that inspired her along the way and how she hopes to provide both windows and mirrors for her own students. I loved her two pieces of advice for teachers: 1)Connect with other educators and borrow their ideas and 2)Fail Forward. Don’t be afraid to model being in the learning pit yourself. As we cruise into the final month of school, I hope this episode helps you remember what a difference you can make in the lives of students and also inspires you to try something new. And as always thanks for joining us.

Micah shares a great learning experience involving students doing field work with scientists, the importance of being a role model in schools, and the need to find balance in our lives as educators.  He also shares his thoughts on assessing students in ways that align with the real practices of scientists.

Chris is an elementary principal and former science supervisor.  He is currently a district director for NSTA.  He shares a lesson involving a rock from Antartica, a reading a passage about properties, and calling the most important person in the world (his mom!). He discusses the importance of teachers being willing to try new things and helping students learn to have civil conversations about science issues.  He also tells us about one of his proudest moments of having a former student collaborate with current students about local entomology research.