Class year and major: 2009, B.S. in Secondary Education , to teach science.
Current position and responsibilities: Biology and chemistry teacher at Shelbyville (Ind.) High School since August 2011.
Major project/achievement of the past year: In January 2012, I was named a national fellow of the New Science Teacher Academy. The fellowship supports me in a year of professional development and mentoring activities. This year, I was also hired as seventh grade girls’ basketball coach at Shelbyville Middle School. I am currently creating and implementing a microbiology course at the high school.
Why did you choose a career in teaching secondary science: After going through many different choices for a career, I realized that my passion was for both science and being a positive role model for younger people. Being a teacher provided me with both those opportunities. After a week into student teaching, things just clicked for me. I realized teaching was what I was meant to do with my life.
How did Butler prepare you for your career: My professors and advisors (particularly Dr. Meredith McAllister) prepared me very carefully for life after graduation. They pushed me to be the best teacher I could be before graduating to ensure that I would have the potential to be a great teacher down the road. In addition, they provided me with excellent resources throughout my student teaching and now while I am a full-time teacher as well.
Most memorable experience(s) at Butler: My most memorable experiences at Butler were any activities that were done with my fraternity brothers at Lambda Chi Alpha. The competitions like Spring Sports Spectacular, Greek Week and Spring Sing are some of my favorite memories.
