Laurel Struck

Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

After a midlife crisis and 20 years in marketing in Billings, MT, I’m now a middle school science and STEAM teacher, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Creativity is essential, and who better to teach that to young scientists than a former graphic designer/artist and dance teacher/ entertainer, and marketing professional who has always been passionate about science. I once believed that deciding to be a teacher in my 40s would hold me back, but in reality it only made me a better teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I grew up at a time that although I was strong in science in school, as a female I was never encouraged to find a career in that field. As a result, some of the greatest wins for me are when girls who thought they weren’t good at science, discover that they are indeed good at it. Or recently, all the top prizes in the strength vs weight bridge competition in my STEAM class were all won by the girl teams. Nothing is more exciting or memorable than science being for everyone.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The sign above my desk states, “Mission Control: Guiding students on the mission to endless and vast possibilities.” In my “Nebula” space themed classroom, where “stars are born,” I prepare my students for their future. That’s done by providing hands-on experience practicing problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to be flexible and adapt - which is required in all careers. Money provides the resources and tools for students to get those hands-on experiences.