I grew up in Port Crane, NY approximately 20 minutes from Binghamton, NY. Growing up in the country, I found I loved exploring nature. I was lucky enough to live near several state parks where I could go and learn about my surroundings. After High School, I decided to study Biology in the hopes of learning more about all living things and how they function. After graduation, and due to several experiences in college, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. I received my Master's degree in teaching and was lucky enough to find a job right after graduation. After two years of teaching Biology, my position in the school was eliminated due to budget cuts. Instead of giving up on teaching, due to an increasing difficulty finding a job in the current economy, I went back to school and I am currently working on a second Master's degree in Special Education. I am confident that my experiences will make me a stronger teacher when I find a teaching job.
Currently, I am a substitute teacher in several local school districts. Most often, I find myself back at the school where I taught for two years. Having worked with the Science department at Susquehanna Valley High School, I am often called to fill in for those teachers when they need to be out of the building. Due to my experience teaching, and my knowledge of science, I am able to follow their plans for the day and therefore it is not a missed educational opportunity. I enjoy getting to know more students in this capacity and while I would prefer to have my own classroom, I have to be patient and realize that these experiences will make me a better teacher. I am looking forward to the Grass Roots program due to my desire to learn more about Alternative Fuels and design curriculum modules to introduce this topic to students.