My history with AMTA began at the start of my teaching career. I was desperate to find professional development that would give me the tools I needed to survive the classroom setting I found myself in. Somehow I stumbled across AMTA and I signed up for a physical science workshop and absolutely fell in love. I’m not even a physical science teacher, but I knew I found something special. Fast forward many years, and I discovered that there was Biology modeling. I signed up right away and delved in head first and pretty much haven’t looked back.

Modeling has had a profound impact on my career and it has been the very breath that gives life to my teaching. Once I took the leadership workshop in 2018, I somehow came across the opportunity to immediately co-lead a workshop in 2018, spring of 2019, and summer of 2019. I have never had so much fun working with adults, seeing them grow, learn, and challenging themselves to step into something new. Since then I have also served on the board of AMTA as a member at large, I have lead book clubs, sessions at local conferences and national conferences, I have written an article for AMTA’s M2M blog, I have been interviewed on an episode of AMTA’s Science Modeling Talks podcast, and I have attended AMTA’s national conference. Through these varied roles, particularly as a member at large and in coordinating workshops, I have honed strong organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills. I am eager to apply these to the Secretary position to support the Board’s effectiveness and ensure our important work is well-documented.

I have grown tremendously over the last 20 years as an educator, and I continue to grow, and since the pandemic the world of teaching has become more and more challenging, and I try to find the bright spots and focus on things within my sphere of influence. I try to center equity in the work I do and I look for ways to bring in more diversity into STEAM. I am passionate about pulling kids in rather than exclusionary practices that push people away. I am grateful for all the opportunities that AMTA has afforded me. The growth and expertise I have gained through this organization has given me the opportunity to work with the college board, HHMI, and to lead workshops at other prestigious institutions. I believe my dedication, coupled with my organizational abilities and attention to detail vital for teaching and leadership, make me well-suited to serve as Secretary. I am eager to give back again to AMTA in this capacity. My hope is that AMTA can be financially sustainable, continue to thrive, and serve teachers long into the future.