A Digital Story - Bridging the Gap Between Girls and Boys in Science

My New Journey to Become a Teacher

My blog is going to take a different turn as I begin a new challenge to become a teacher.  I grew up in Parkersburg, WV with all the aspirations to become a Veterinarian.  Animals are my life and will always be.  So it seemed like a natural path to take.  I remembered entering the Animal and Veterinary Science (A&VS) program at West Virginia University (WVU) bright eyed and young.  I loved it!  I learned so much and soaked up every minute as a volunteer on the WVU farms. Whether I was palpating pregnant cows or measuring estrus in sheep - it was all so amazing.  Later I would become a paid researcher for the Nutritional Biochemistry professor.  My job - analyzing chicken livers.  Oddly enough, I turned my sights from Veterinarian to Researcher.  I was compelled by the drive to help animals in a different way through research and by doing so help farmers as well. 

I spent two years, after I had graduated with my Bachelors, as a caver at Laurel Caverns in Pennsylvania. I strapped myself in spelunker gear and took individuals and groups on a three hour tour into the undeveloped section of the cave.  I enjoyed the physical aspects of the job and educating people about bats but what I enjoyed more was teaching seminars at the cave.  I taught all ages of kids Geology, Ecology, and Forestry.  I even took them on fossil hunts.  I learned a lot about myself.  I was much more involved in the teaching aspect than most of my coworkers.  I worked hard to develop visual aids and took a very hands on approach.  Today, I have an extensive rock collection and still occasionally teach geology seminars for festivals.

Currently I live outside of Farmington, WV in a small development called Katy Village with my husband and two kids. My husband and I agreed that our childrens' early years were important enough for me to put my professional life on hold.  I took an eight year hiatus and still treasure every moment I was able to spend with them.  Last year, out of a need to redevelop my 'self', I decided to try substitute teaching in Marion County.  With a four year degree in A&VS I was eligible to apply as a RESA IV short term substitute.  I still remembered the excitement and thrill of teaching different sciences to younger and older kids.  So, I went for it.  Within a month I was holding my license to be a Substitute Teacher and by the next month I was employed by the Marion County Board of Education.  I had never been in a classroom before, so my nerves were on edge the first several times I stepped into one.  It became easier and easier as I saw how the kids reacted to my teaching style.  I'm still hands on with my very large bag full of rocks and a Euler's Disk for down time (I don't like worksheets).  While I'm teaching a subject, my classroom as I like to state it, is 'organized chaos'.  If I can get the whole class engaged in debating a topic, I feel like I've won the heart of the class.  It is truly amazing to see kids excited about every topic from Social Studies, which personally I don't like, to History, Reading, and Science. 

I feel lucky to have had the chance to step into a classroom.  It helped me make my decision to take on the challenge of college courses once again and become fully certified to teach.  My course specialization - General Science and Biology on a secondary level.  I may not be able to make an impact on the minds of every student but if I can open the door of science for just a few, then I will have accomplished my goal.  I also believe my enthusiasm in the sciences as a woman will encourage more girls at the secondary education level to embrace science as well.  I have not lost the dream to be a researcher.  I hope one day to be not only a Science teacher but to work in the field as a researcher.