Katy Oda

Not every student will be drawn to physics, but one of my primary goals as a teacher is to make sure that every student knows that they belong in the physics classroom, are completely capable of doing physics, and can find something about physics to enjoy or find useful.

Katy’s Story

Teaching Discipline

Physics

Why Physics

I fell in love with physics and astronomy in high school, when each day revealed a new way to see and describe the world. I found my community in those who shared my passion for dissecting hypothetical scenarios, simply for the joy of exploring a physics problem together. Physics and astronomy are incredibly expansive fields, capable of completely transforming how you perceive the world and offering unique approaches to thinking and problem-solving that you might not encounter elsewhere.

In college, my love for physics was put to the test. The subject didn’t come easily to me, and I often questioned whether I was really suited for it. However, with a healthy dose of persistence and a lot of support from friends and professors, I persevered. Now, I view that struggle as a valuable experience. I’ve been in both positions: the student who breezes through a problem and finishes with time to spare, and the one who gets stuck five minutes in, wondering why it seems so much easier for everyone else. This dual perspective, I believe, makes me a more empathetic and effective teacher.

Professional Experience

Katy got her first taste of teaching through tutoring, while still in high school. She still loves tutoring, as it is the perfect test ground for trying new ways to explain concepts. She also spent a couple of winter breaks as a playground supervisor at a K-8 school. This experience helped her realize she made the right decision with teaching high school. During college, Katy worked for the Physics department for four years as a grader, lab assistant, and teaching assistant in various physics and astronomy classes.

Katy completed her student teaching as a physics and astronomy teacher at Harding High School in St. Paul, MN, with a host teacher who is a Knowles Senior Fellow. In her first full year teaching, Katy taught Physics, P.E., and one semester of Chemistry at June Jordan School for Equity in San Francisco.

Katy will start her second year of teaching Physics and Chemistry at June Jordan School for Equity in San Francisco, California in the 2024-2025 school year.

Hobbies

Outside of the classroom you can find Katy at Giants games, humming along to the Star Trek theme(s), and finding new ways to use tofu!

Academic Background

  • Carleton College (Bachelor of Arts in Physics)
  • Carleton College (Teacher Certificate)