Erin Colfax

I, Erin Colfax, became a teacher because I am an active innovator and positive role model for children. I have dedicated my career to developing innovative programs to encourage students to think independently. My mission is achieved by regularly integrating a diversity of classroom assessment techniques and providing hands-on science experiences where cross-curricular student-centered cooperative learning is occurring and students can connect scientific concepts to their daily lives.

My most memorable teaching experience was spending the day at Rutgers learning about horticulture from scientist Daniel Jacobs. Dan, my former research student, now manages the University's Greenhouses & teaches courses in plant science. As a research scientist myself who traveled to all 7 continents conducting scientific research & integrating it into the classroom, I was proud & honored to spend the day learning about cultivars from one of my most knowledgeable & skilled students.

First, I would invest in my school & purchase STEM books/journals to be housed in our school bookshelf because we do not have a library. Second, I would invest in my community & plant native pollinator plants at the NJ School of Conservation to increase biodiversity. Third, I would invest in my family by putting money down on a reliable car with low mileage and then take them on a dream safari expedition to Africa. This $25,000 "gift" would allow me to contribute to school, community, & family.