Eileen Finney

Tell us why you became a teacher

I didn't mean to. But when my four children were in school, I was asked to be a substitute. Walking into an elementary or middle school classroom felt like the most natural thing for me. There was an energy I could not explain but loved. So I earned a Master's in the Art of Teaching and began my career. Middle School and STEM subjects are my passion - especially with girls. Fourteen years in an all-girls school enlightened me to the power of female ingenuity and collaboration.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The wildfires in California (2020-2021) highlighted the need for solutions. My students proposed the idea of an automatic rooftop sprinkler with an infrared camera to identify and extinguish the embers that fuel so many home fires. A team of 6th-12th graders worked for two years on a prototype after receiving a $10,000 grant from MIT. It was exciting to see teams encompassing every aspect of this project (coding, CAD, LA Fire Department, Community Outreach etc. I was proud to be their mentor.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I want to explore possible STEM-related initiatives in our community where middle school students can make an impact. I am especially interested in teaching the engineering process and how its structure applies to all STEM thinking. I have seen it in action at MIT and know that it can inspire young people to become global thinkers.