Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with educators, universities, museums, and educational organizations that share my commitment to meaningful science instruction. Here is a little about my science education features and collaborations.
These experiences have allowed me to contribute to larger conversations about science teaching, support other educators, and help make high-quality science learning more accessible to teachers and students. I look forward to participating in more science education features and collaborations.
wikiHow Expert Co-Author
I was selected to contribute my experience as a science educator to wikiHow’s expert content program. Through an expert interview, I shared practical guidance based on more than 34 years in education, including my experience teaching science methods to future teachers and developing standards-aligned science resources.
My contributions have been featured in wikiHow articles and reader resources designed to provide trustworthy, expert-reviewed information.
Read more about my wikiHow Expert Author work.
GEMS Girls Equity Movement Interview
I joined GEMS, the Girls Equity Movement, for an Instagram Live conversation about science education, supporting teachers, and encouraging meaningful participation in STEM.
The interview provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of helping students see themselves as capable science learners and creating science experiences that build curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
Natural History Museum of Utah Collaboration
I have collaborated with the Natural History Museum of Utah to support science education and connect classroom learning with authentic scientific ideas, resources, and experiences.
Working with a respected science institution reinforced my belief that students learn science best when they can connect classroom concepts to real evidence, natural phenomena, and the world around them.
Watch a Video on the Natural History Museum of Utah’s Research Quest
Utah Valley University STEM Expo
During my years at Utah Valley University, I directed the STEM Expo, an event created to engage students and the community in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The expo brought together hands-on learning, scientific exploration, and community participation. Directing the event allowed me to help create meaningful STEM experiences beyond the traditional classroom and encourage students to explore science through investigation and discovery.
Teachers Pay Teachers Forward Conference Speaker
I was invited to speak at the Teachers Pay Teachers Forward Conference, where I shared my experience and knowledge with other teacher-authors and educational resource creators.
Speaking at TPT Forward gave me the opportunity to support educators who are developing resources for teachers and students while contributing to the larger professional community of teacher-creators.
University Teaching and Professional Leadership
For 20 years, I taught Science Methods in professional teacher education programs at two universities. My work focused on helping future teachers understand how to teach science through inquiry, evidence, hands-on learning, and standards-aligned instruction.
I previously served as a lecturer at California State University, Fresno, and as a senior lecturer at Utah Valley University.
My professional recognitions include:
- Utah Valley University Faculty Excellence Award, 2019
- Utah Valley University Lecturer Excellence Award, 2020
- Engaged Learning Presentation Award, 2016
- Scholastic Inquiry Award, 2017
I have also conducted and presented research related to interactive science notebooks and effective science teaching practices in my science education features and collaborations.
Professional Development for School Districts
I have presented professional development sessions for educators in multiple school districts on effective and engaging science instruction.
These sessions have focused on topics including:
- Best practices in science teaching and learning
- Implementing the Utah Science with Engineering Education standards
- Creating standards-aligned science instruction
- Using inquiry, evidence, and scientific practices in the classroom
- Increasing student engagement through meaningful science experiences
- Designing learning opportunities that encourage students to think, investigate, discuss, and apply scientific ideas
My goal in every professional development session has been to give teachers practical strategies they can use while also strengthening their understanding of effective science instruction.
Engaged Learning Conference Presentations
I have presented at the Engaged Learning Conference at Utah Valley University on instructional practices that promote meaningful participation, reflection, and learning.
Interactive Science Notebooks
My presentation on interactive science notebooks explored how notebooks can be used as more than a place for students to record information. When used purposefully, interactive notebooks can help students organize their thinking, make connections, analyze evidence, reflect on learning, and communicate their scientific understanding.
My research and professional presentations on interactive notebooks have focused on their value as tools for student thinking and engagement rather than as collections of worksheets or copied notes.
STEM as a Pathway to Educational Equity
I also presented on STEM education as a way to bring greater equity to education.
Meaningful STEM experiences can provide students with opportunities to solve problems, collaborate, design, investigate, and demonstrate their abilities in different ways. When students have access to engaging STEM learning, they are able to build confidence, develop important skills, and see themselves as capable participants in science and engineering.
This work reflects my belief that high-quality science and STEM instruction should be accessible to every student.
University Teaching and Professional Leadership
For 20 years, I taught Science Methods in professional teacher education programs at two universities. My work focused on helping future teachers understand how to teach science through inquiry, evidence, hands-on learning, engaged learning, and standards-aligned instruction.
I previously served as a lecturer at California State University, Fresno, and as a senior lecturer at Utah Valley University.
My professional recognitions include:
- Utah Valley University Faculty Excellence Award, 2019
- Utah Valley University Lecturer Excellence Award, 2020
- Engaged Learning Presentation Award, 2016
- Scholastic Inquiry Award, 2017
I have also conducted and presented research related to interactive science notebooks and effective science teaching practices.
About My Work
Today, I use my background in science education, teacher preparation, standards alignment, and curriculum development to create practical resources for upper-elementary and middle school science teachers.
My work focuses on helping teachers move beyond generic, disconnected activities by providing thoughtfully designed resources that align with their standards and support meaningful science learning.
I believe teachers should not have to spend hours piecing together resources and hoping they meet their standards. They deserve science materials that are purposeful, practical, and ready to support strong instruction.
Teachers Pay Teachers Seller Coaching
In addition to creating science resources, I coach other Teachers Pay Teachers sellers as they develop and strengthen their educational businesses.
Drawing on my experience as a teacher-author and business owner, I help sellers make thoughtful decisions about their resources, stores, branding, and long-term goals. My coaching focuses on practical guidance, honest feedback, and strategies that reflect each seller’s experience, audience, and individual strengths.
This work gives me another opportunity to support educators by helping them turn their knowledge and ideas into purposeful resources that serve teachers and students.
Collaboration and Speaking Opportunities
I welcome opportunities to contribute to professional conversations about:
- Science teaching and learning
- Standards-aligned science instruction
- NGSS and Utah SEEd
- Supporting future and beginning teachers
- Data analysis and graph interpretation in science
- Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning
- Educational resource development
- Teacher entrepreneurship
For collaboration, interviews, guest presentations, speaking inquiries, or TPT Coaching, please contact me at [email protected]. Science Education Features and Collaborations
