My passion for teaching has followed me almost my entire life. Like any young child I explored thoughts of being a veterinarian, forensic anthropologist and even a zoologist, but whenever I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up” the answer always flowed out without pause, “a teacher.”

 

Now, that being said, I am not currently a teacher. I am the Director of Student Programs at the PAST Foundation. A nonprofit celebrating over 20 years of innovative educational practices and bring STEM education across the nation through problem- based learning. This job has helped me explore my passion for teaching in a way I never thought possible. I don’t get to have my own classroom or group of students, but I do get the chance to bring hands on STEM programming to so many students who may not get to have those experiences in their classroom.

 

I get to see a kindergarteners eyes grow wider and wider as they look at insects up close and personal for the first time followed by a slew of questions wanting to know more. I get to hear middle school students cheer with excitement when they mix baking soda with kool-aid creating a reaction they weren’t expecting. I get to stand back and be proud when a student asks me a question and another student stands up and says “I can show them!”.

 

The passion I have for teaching grows with every new classroom, after school program, summer program or any other educational program I get the opportunity to be a part of. With this passion I have the drive to be a life long learner. I want to continue to grow not only for myself but for the students that I will get the chance to work beside.