Ratelis Science

What makes students see themselves as scientists? Help students become more confident in science with instant feedback review puzzles and Boom Cards, engaging PhET Labs, data analysis sets, and CER prompts. I have over 25 years of experience teaching science in grades 6-12 with a strong reputation for being successful in making science classes engaging and rigorous for exceptional students (SWD, G/T, At-Risk, ELL, and visually impaired). For multiple years, I have been a Wisconsin State Forward Exam Item reviewer for the 8th-grade science exam. My products have been developed with my extensive knowledge of NGSS and how the standards are assessed in upper grades.

Part of the work I do at my school includes duties as a vertical team leader for all 11 science teachers in grades 6th-8th, facilitating our professional learning community and coordinating with my building and district administration to improve science instruction. As part of these duties I do research on science best practices, such as the 5e instructional model and the CER or claim, evidence, reasoning writing framework for science explanations and develop short professional development sessions for our staff. I also work with my grade level team of science teachers and special education teachers to develop common assessments and to make appropriate accommodations for students. I am also a formal and informal mentor to a number of teachers both in my content and in other subjects as well.

I am actively involved in developing and teaching professional development opportunities related to using the NGSS and science instructional best practices at the district, state, and national levels. I presented at the NSTA National Conference in Chicago in 2015 and the NSTA Regional Conference in Milwaukee in 2017 on how to use the NGSS to make scientific thinking accessible to all learners. I also presented in 2026 at WSST on equity in sensemaking for science classrooms, including visually impaired students.

Licensed in 6-12 Biology, Chemistry, and Broadfield (general) science Gifted and Talented Alternative Education On-line Education. MAT Secondary Science Education National Louis University BA Biological Anthropology Penn State University BS Molecular Biology and Chemistry Beloit College