Getting Down with Science

Welcome to GDWS! My name is Sara, and I am an AP teacher and curriculum developer with 10 years of experience. I have taught a variety of science subjects at both the high school and college level [high school: anatomy, AP environmental, AP biology, sports medicine. College: cell biology (lab section), and developmental biology (lab section)]. In addition to teaching, I work in curriculum development and assessment writing. Along with creating resources for GDWS, I have experience writing assessment items for large-scale, statewide testing programs. Prior to teaching, I worked as a scientific researcher in laboratories at both the college and professional level. I have managed labs and taught college level laboratory courses in the subjects of cellular and developmental biology. One of the highlights of my time as a researcher was when I worked at City of Hope, a renowned cancer treatment and research facility. My focus as a researcher was on immunology and cancer therapy. Part of my responsibilities as a researcher included training students and new workers in laboratory techniques and teaching them background information on our studies. I found myself the most passionate and happy while I was teaching others. So, as much as I loved working in labs, I decided to obtain my Masters in Science Education and pursue teaching as a career. I have always been passionate about science and love to share my passion and my experience in labs with my students. As of summer 2024, I’m on extended leave due to complications from my autoimmune disease during pregnancy. Unfortunately, these health challenges have kept me out of the classroom, but I hope to return to the classroom soon. Thank you for your patience and support during this time.