I think that a teacher’s role in society is not just to prepare students in a specific content area, but also to help students build skills such as analysis, critical thinking, and argumentation, that go beyond the classroom; help them self-actualize; and prepare them to be reflective and thoughtful community members outside of school.”
Erin’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Biology
Why Biology
“I chose to teach biology because I love thinking about humans’ place in the larger ecosystem and considering the interconnected web of interactions and processes on Earth. I have been inspired by students making these connections as well—I especially am struck when students are able to experience biology in the context of their everyday lives. My love for biology carries over to the classroom when I see students exploring and asking questions about the world around them.”
Professional Experience
In college, Erin worked as a tutor helping middle school, high school, and fellow college students. After college, she served as an inclusion aide for three students with special needs in a kindergarten classroom, providing both academic and social supports during the 2013–2014 school year. From 2014–2016, Erin worked as a research assistant for the Churchman Lab at Harvard Medical School, where she studied transcription regulation in yeast.
Volunteer Experience
During college, Erin volunteered at a local juvenile detention center, where she held art workshops for their students.
Hobbies
Erin enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
Academic Background
- Stanford University (Master of Arts in Education)
- Bard College (Bachelor of Arts in Biology)