Critical Mass

I am a science teacher. I earned this title this past May when I completed my licensure requirements and earned a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Science Education. This is my fourth career and, at 45 years old, the first one I have been wholeheartedly excited about. Before becoming a "real" teacher, I was a private tutor for many years. This job let me set my own hours and work as much or as little as I wanted to, which was crucial as I cared for my and my family's health over the last 10 years. Once those health problems were resolved, I was ready to get back out there! When my body and brain were so broken, I felt like I could not trust myself to complete anything rigorous. However, all the time, energy, and money that went into my science, medical, and public health education—which had been seemingly wasted—is being used in this job! It turns out I love being in the classroom and working with students!  When I initially applied to my gra...