Jerry citron

Tell us why you became a teacher

I really knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I TA’ed a college intro biology class. I was given this incredible responsibility to teach and tutor biology. It felt amazing to see how I could explain complicated and erudite concepts and illuminate biology’s underpinnings. I had teaching in my blood.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My first teaching job was teaching biology to pre-students and pediatric nursing pregnant girls in the Bronx at Herbert H Lehman High School. It was a rough working class school where most students took an assort of jobs after HS, but most never went to college. My experience at Lehman was amazing. I used my training as an EMT and academic background in college and captivated, entertained and taught anatomy and physiology and biology in ways that I wish I had be taught.

What would you do with the $25,000?

As a biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, a $25,000 grant would let me bridge ecological research with hands-on learning. I’d study polar ecosystems, joining research on glacial melting, biodiversity, and climate change, bringing back data and stories to inspire students. Additionally, I’d upgrade our hydroponic system with advanced tech, enabling students to explore sustainable agriculture.