Wendy Pavlicek Tyburczy

I became a teacher to share my love and passion for our all things science! I wanted to inspire curiosity and critical thinking about the world around us. I wanted to connect with students/make meaningful relationships, build self confidence make a positive impact their lives. I could be a role model for students, help them navigate challenges and offer support when they need it.

One of the most memorable teaching experience was an all school science program called "Our Trash, Our Choice." We collected the trash from the student cafeteria for one whole day, stored it and then used it in all school program the next day. We dressed students up in safety suits and poured the trash bags on a giant tarp in the gym. We had students sort the items in to trash, recycling and compost. It made a lasting impression and students learned about how humans could impact the Earth.

I would use some of it to put towards several student scholarships, some to support my educational programming (materials, resources) and travel on a work oriented science trip to study a topic of interest (examples: helping build restore animal habitats, monitor sea turtle egg laying, shark research) and make an educational program to share with my students.