About Me

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

 

2013 -Present: 7TH- 8TH Science Teacher | Jovita Idár Elementary | 5050 S. Homan Avenue | Chicago, IL  

I am a school leader dedicated to an inquiry-based, culturally sustainable, authentic approach to learning that emphasizes engagement with real-world phenomena.  I am a firm advocate of storytelling and building genuine school identities driven by engagement in interdisciplinary community-based problems. My work is driven by climate and environmental science in  urban areas through participatory action to establish and sustain place-based-driven projects. Teaching page: https://rb.gy/sbyay6

▪ Created, designed, wrote, and delivered a middle school science curriculum aligned with NGSS, WIDA, and the CCSS.

▪ Drove significant growth in Chicago Public Schools REACH Science Performance Tasks (93.3% attainment) and the Illinois Science Assessment (20.3% above District). Highest ISA scores in the network every year postpandemic. 

2010 -2013: Teacher (K-12) | School District 303 | 201 S. 7th Street | St. Charles, IL 

Second grade teacher and substitute across all core subject areas as well as P.E., Music, Technology, and Art, in grades (K-12) while pursuing master’s degree. Honed skills by putting theory into practice and teaching a variety of abilities and grades. 

2007 -2010: English/Science Teacher and 6-12 School Manager | Surat Thani, Thailand 

Taught English and Science at Suratthani English Language School (Super English) and Thidamaepra Intermediate School as an international instructor. Promoted to Thai-School Manager overseeing ten teachers. https://www.superenglishsurat.com/ 

NON PROFIT AND CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

 

2024 - 2026: Board of Directors -Eco.logic | Chicago, IL | https://www.ecologicprograms.org/who-we-are 

501(c)(3) organization focused on building an inclusive movement where everyone understands the urgency of the climate crisis and knows how they can effectively engage by blending creativity and education to cultivate connections and mobilize action for a thriving planet. See the 2024 annual report: https://tinyurl.com/3j8xj5bk 

2024 - Present - Curriculum Reviewer: EdReports | https://www.edreports.org/ 

EdReports reviewer, evaluating instructional materials for science. Collaborated with national educator teams to analyze curricula, gather evidence, and produce evidence-based reports that support districts in selecting high-quality instructional resources.

2019–2021 -Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms Advisory Board |  https://tinyurl.com/2nkf4nrp 

In collaboration with WGBH, PBS,  and NASA, wrote, reviewed, edited, revised, and presented recommendations about materials and technological science/engineering resources, for multilingual learners to ‘rewire’ STEM learning in the digital age.

Works and materials published online in 2020 were used extensively by educators nationally during the Covid-19 pandemic.

2010 - 2012: Board of Directors (Recording Secretary): Elderday Center; Batavia, IL https://www.elderdaycenter.org/ 

Elected member of the board after prior volunteer experience. Unanimously promoted to Recording Secretary. Responsible for budgets, payrolls, performance, and scheduling. Raised over $10, 000 in charitable donations.

2013 -Present: Non-Profit Consultant 

I am an experienced facilitator and curriculum specialist dedicated to enhancing education, communication, and science through innovative, person-centered approaches. I specialize in integrating tech, environmental sustainability and ESL  strategies into greater projects. I have designed, written, and piloted, curriculum and consulted for: 

• Chicago Public Schools 
• PBS Learning Media 
• Pilot Light: Food Education
• USDA & ILDNR
• Climate Mental-Health Network
• NOAA
• Illinois/Indiana Sea Grant 
• Upstream Education 
• Eco.logic.
  

SELECTED NETWORK CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

• 2025-Present: Founded a Trout in the Classroom chapter in partnership with the IDNR and the Elliot Donnelly Branch of Trout Unlimited - This gateway stewardship experience fosters a new generation of advocates where they live.
• 2025-2026: Instituto Mundo Verde Fellowship - Rooted in core values of access, community and sustainability, the Fellowship pushes to grow, reflect and innovate on student-centered, inquiry-based learning for multilingual learners.
• 2025: Lake Michigan Shipboard Science Immersion - In partnership with the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office, NOAA, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, engaged in scientific research aboard the ship R/V Lake Guardian to promote Great Lakes science while forging lasting relationships between Great Lakes researchers and educators.
• 2024-2027: Selected as the lead and school partner of the Science School Leadership program through the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, a collaborative project designed to bolster vertical science NGSS instruction. 
• 2024-present: Member of the school ILT and CIWP teams, leading the development and implementation of vertical, high-quality Tier 1 instruction and rigorous, standards-aligned assessments, and implementing targeted strategies to improve access, equity, and outcomes for students with IEPs and 504 plans and ensure inclusive practices schoolwide.
• 2024-2025: Illinois/Indiana Sea Grant -Piloted and contributed to curriculum integrating Meta Quest VR Headsets into NGSS environmental studies to improve experiential learning for teachers and students throughout the Great Lakes area.
• 2024: Named as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Teacher at Sea to participate in a three-week groundfish survey in the Gulf of Mexico aboard the Oregon II research vessel. Worked with scientists and  teachers from across the United States. See publications here: https://noaateacheratsea.blog/
• 2023-2025: Collaborated with Victoria Soto High School, Morton Arboretum, Lincoln Park Zoo, and  the Chicago Region Tree Initiative to establish a Level 1 arboretum, restored prairie, and community food garden.  Designated as an urban sanctuary and wildlife habitat, especially for pollinators, birds, and bats by leveraging technology to gather authentic data.
• 2023-2024: In collaboration with Take Action Global, partnered with a global group of climate educators to establish and bolster education  in and around climate action at local and larger levels. Named a certified Climate Action School.
• 2023 -present: Piloted and lead a robotics program with Smart Factor Rovers through Deloitte, teaching computer science and coding in Scratch and Python through Raspberry Pi computer systems and introductory robotic peripherals.
• 2022–present: Organizer and project lead for Pumas on the Third Coast, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA, and the community to implement community conservation projects to protect local watersheds.
• 2022–present: Organizer and project lead for the V.O.C.A. School Garden (Ver, Oler, Comer y  Aprender | See, Smell, Eat, and Learn). Organized teams of community stakeholders to construct, manage, and sustain a school garden stressing hands-on engagement in the world around the NGSS, particularly in the primary grades K-2. Certified monarch habitat.
• 2021–2022: Selected as a Pilot Light Education Fellow to build community relationships which support students as they learn to advocate for informed food choices by bridging lessons from their lunch trays to home and into their communities. 
• 2021–2022: Worked as a collaborative partner in the STEM PLC: Strength in Numbers with teachers from  Chicago Public Schools and University of Chicago Lab School to implement novel modes of science and math instruction.
• 2021–present: SmART Hallway Science -Designed, built, and managed K-8 STEAM learning challenges including  Grab-and-Go kits, vertical non-permanent vertical learning structures, interactive curiosity boards, and more. 
• 2020–present: Developed writing program in the Middle School Science classroom to foster growth and  achievement of the NGSS standards and goals. Created the ‘A.D.E Approach’ for writing that is A² D² E² (Accessible  & Appropriate | Diverse & Differentiated | Engaging & Enjoyable) to facilitate efficacy and engagement through science storytelling. 
• 2018–2024: 5x unanimously elected a representative on the school-level Professional Solutions Committee.
• 2015–2020: 6th-8th grade Boys Soccer coach: two championships and two second place finishes.
• 2014–present: Created and established more than ten after school clubs including Middle School Science Fair (6-8),  Elementary S.T.E.M. club (3-5), Science of Running (4-6), Edible Science (K-3), and Science is Awesome (K-3)
• 2014–present: Lead network Professional Development sessions including: SEL Benefits of Pets in the Classroom;  Essential Practices: Attaining Fluency Through Mental Math; Writing in STEM: It’s Not (All) Rocket Science

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

• 2026: Selected to present at the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) conference -  Street-to-Stream Science: A Compact, Data-Rich, Tool-Based, Community Investigation of Field Experiences: Cambridge, Maryland
• 2026: Selected to present at the Ocean Science Meeting (OSM) - From Concrete to Coastlines: Cultivating Climate Resilience and Blue Economy Skills Through School-Based Sustainability Innovation: Glasgow, Scotland
• 2026: Selected to present at the American for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) International Conference on research: Power of a Peach Tree: A Seed of Food, Justice, and Joy: Chicago, Illinois
• 2025: Selected to present at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) International conference - A Study in Urban Environmental Education: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 2025: Selected to present at the American for Science Teacher Education (ASTE) International Conference on urban hydroponic and aquaponic - Seeds of Change Thrive in Concrete: Long Beach California
• 2023-2025: Partnered with the University of Chicago and NSTA for a Data Science 4 Everyone to review and revise culturally sustainable data science standards working towards ameliorating historical injustices facing  marginalized communities around data and computer science education. Published 2025. https://www.datasciencelearning.org/ 
• 2024-2025: Contributed to and piloted Addressing Climate Emotions in Schools curriculum through the Climate Mental Health Network and NEEF. Published March, 2025. https://www.climatementalhealth.net/education 
• 2023 -2024: Partnered with NSTA & the Chicago Public Library to do community outreach and education around the  2023 and 2024 eclipses. Hosted internal/external place based professional development and education events.
• 2023-2024: Selected to participate in the Forest Immersion Project: Global Tree Conservation Program in collaboration with the Morton Arboretum to expand its impact through education and first-hand experiences with the Monteverde Institute in Costa Rica. https://mortonarb.org/news/chicago-area-teachers-embark-on-costa-rica-cloud-forest-immersion-program/ 
• 2024: Presented with Paul Floyd from Chicago Public Schools at the 19th Chicago Food Justice Summit through the Chicago Food Policy Action Council about the  importance of food education and its consequential impact on communities.
• 2023: Co-presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies (AAACS):  Centering community engagement in curriculum studies: Blurred boundaries of teaching-learning in urban context. Chicago, Illinois.

• 2023: Co-presented at the American for Science Teacher Education International Conference (ASTE) on research paper: Science Teacher Disequilibrium and the Impact on Science Teacher Identity -Salt Lake City, Utah.
• 2022–2023: Selected for a Mental Health Changemaker Fellowship with Upstream Education to write, implement, and use targeted Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with students in the classroom. Published in 2023. https://www.upstreamedu.org/
• 2022: Chosen as a presenter, spokesperson, and representative for the Pilot Light organization at the Feed Your Mind Gala to promote food education, the value of urban growing systems, and equity in schools. Repeated in 2024.
• 2022: Selected as a model school to demonstrate the integration of culturally relevant and sustainable food and ecological education systems into middle school classrooms. Presented a lesson to representatives from the U.S. Department of  Agriculture, Illinois State Board of Education, various Chicago chefs, and small business owners.
• 2021: Invited to present to dignitaries and representatives of the Scottish and U.S. governments as well as Chicago philanthropists through the Chicago Scots about the ecological impact of school lunches and community food programming.
• 2019–2021: Worked with WBGH, PBS Learning Media, and NASA as part of the Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms curriculum team to create and adapt materials to better meet the needs of multilingual learners. The program was accelerated and expanded in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Published online 2020. https://tinyurl.com/muy37rrc 
• 2020: Chosen for a partnership with Fermilab and the University of St. Francis, on improving teaching and  understanding of the Standard Model of Elementary Particles in Particle Physics. Revised curriculum and program was released in 2022.
• 2020: Selected to provide feedback and review the NOVA ‘Making North America’ curriculum and course map for synchronous/asynchronous lessons that explore scientific discoveries on the acclaimed documentary series. Released 2020.
• 2019-2020: Appointed to the Chicago Teacher Advisory Council to research in multilevel groups to analyze and  provide insight around social justice and growth for all of Chicago Public Schools, targeting MTSS practices and implementation.
• 2013: Partnered with the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago for a 120 hour Freshwater Ecology research  task and professional development in developing Science Education with the Great Lakes and presented the experience.

SELECTED HONORS AND AWARDS

• 2025: Lester Crown Distinguished Teacher Award - Inspiring and motivating in science, technology, engineering and math
• 2025: LEGO Build the Change Award: Green Schoolyards - Ideas that made significant impact on the planet
• 2025-2027: Selected for the Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program - Full funding to earn leadership credential Type 75
• 2025: Modern Classroom Project - Mentorship Fellowship Scholarship - Awarded to develop virtual differentiation supports
• 2025: Shell Science Teaching Award - Semi-finalist - recognized for making positive impacts on students and the community
• 2024: Rev. Ronald J. Ferguson, S.J. Award -Most outstanding Alpha sigma Nu initiate: Extraordinary community care. 
• 2024: Illinois Green School Project -First Place, Elementary Division -Project awarded as best in State of Illinois
• 2024: USA Blue Schools -Blue Flag Award - Founding school in the Midwest region 
• 2024: National Wildlife Federation -Green Flag Award -Highest National EcoSchools Recognition
• 2023: Illinois State Board of Education -Teacher of the Year Award -Meritorious service for impact on school community
• 2023: NOAA Ocean Guardian School -Years 1, 2, and 3 Award Winners -First in State
• 2022: International Academic Competitions -87% of students qualified for Regionals -65% qualified for Nationals 
• 2021: Loyola University Chicago Ratner Teaching Scholarship 
• 2021: NYLP to STEM Honorary Member for mentoring, assisting, and advancing educational opportunities in STEM.
• 2020: US Department of Energy -Teacher Award for particle physics -Beauty and Charm
• 2019: ACERO Network Teacher of the Year Award for student attainment, teacher care, and community support.
• 2014-2016: Elected to Union Executive Board with 92% of the vote; Strike Captain; bridge between Local and CTU.

SELECTED GRANTS AND FUNDING

• 2026: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant - $1,000. Funded to bring ‘The Watershed Game’ to hundreds of students
• 2025-2026: Newman’s Own Foundation - $1,000. Funded to connect garden spaces to community outreach projects.
• 2025-2026: Whole Kids - Garden Grant - $3,500. Funded to expand hydroponic and outdoor garden space
• 2024-2025: ILDNR - Habitat Action Grant - $1,437. Funds for native prairie restoration on the school grounds.
• 2024-2025: Chicago Region Tree Initiative -Urban and Community Forestry Grant - $10,800. In collaboration with Morton Arboretum, planted 26 trees in and around the school grounds, qualifying the school as a Level 1 arboretum.
• 2024: Loyola University - Jesuit Community Stipend - $1,000. Funds granted to support work in service of the community.
• 2024: Illinois Green Alliance -Green project grant award - $717. Used to purchase and implement a composting program.
• 2023-2024: Take Action Global -Full funding for Climate Action School Project - $9,800. Hydroponics and Aquaponics.
• 2023: United Airlines - Good Leads the Way -$1,169. Hydroponic project bringing new growing tech to schools
• 2023: Hydroponic Venture Project -$1,449. RISE hydroponic rack-based project linking growth projects to schools indoors
• 2023: All Kids Bike -Collaborative grant led by the Strider Education Foundation and The NASCAR Foundation - $7,372. Funded the Learn-To-Ride program with the mission that every child learns to ride a bike.
• 2022–2023 -Emerson Collective Grant -Project G.R.O.W. (Garden, Reflect, Organize, Wonder) - $4975. Funded a Civic Action Project designed for urban environments to promote food awareness, healthy eating, and  community investment.
• 2022: National Marine Sanctuary Foundation -$345. Implemented a student-driven project designed and organized to engage the school community in watershed/local waterway stewardship activities and a school Zero Waste Day. 
• 2022: National Fluid Power Association Challenge Grant - $492. Provided materials for a curriculum project around the construction of community-focused hydraulic machines and discovered how forces in fluid focus are used in society.
• 2022: Herb Society of America Samull Grant -$300. Established a mobile indoor/outdoor herb garden on wheels. 
• 2021: AFCEA Gravely Grant for STEM Teachers -B.I.O.P.I.L.L. Project (Bringing In Opportunities to Participate  in Inquiry Learning Lessons) $1,000. Promoted STEM innovation in the classroom with an emphasis on the human experience. 
• 2021: Toshiba America Foundation -C.R.A.B.S. Project: Combining Robotics And Biology in Schools - $3,125. 
• 2020: ComEd energy sustainability grant - ~ $5,000. Provided hundreds of products, tools, and education for energy savings 
• 2020: Donors Choose -Big Explorations of the Very Small - $997. Microscopes and supporting equipment for class.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Highly Qualified Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) - License #1880702, United States
• Endorsements to PEL: 
• Elementary Education K-9 
• General Science 5-8 
• Language Arts 5-8 
• Social Science 5-8 
• English as a Second Language (ESL) pK-12
• WIDA Access for ELLs & Screening Assessments Certified - Grades 6-12 - Speaking and Writing
• Instructional Coach Certificate
• Administrative Endorsement Type 75 (Expected 2027)

• Qualified Teacher Status, United Kingdom
• Teacher Reference Number: 2362573
• Alpha Sigma Nu: Dedicated to scholarship, loyalty and service in a lifetime pursuit of service to others
• American National Standards Institute: Illinois Food Safety Handler with honors
• Chicago Public Schools: - Eat What You Grow Certification - authorized to safely operate school gardens
• Chippewa Valley Technical College: - Recreational UAS Safety Certificate - Drone Flight - CVTC25228369117
• City Colleges of Chicago: MXOL-Vaccine Ambassador Program - Certified Vaccine Ambassador
• Department of Children and Family Services: Certified Manded Reporter. 2013-Present
• Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Scientific Research and Collection Permit - Education
• Institute of Child Nutrition: Healthy Teacher Program Certificate - USDA Professional Standard Codes 1100, 1200 & 1300
• Kappa Delta Pi: Builds communities and create lifelong opportunities by providing quality, equitable education 
• North American Association for Environmental Education: Certificates in Research and Evaluation, Equitable and Inclusive Environmental Education, Civic Engagement for Environmental Issues, and Meaningful Watershed Experiences
• Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA): Cultivates community to empower and achieve
• U.S. Green Building Council: Green Classroom Professional Certificate - GBCI Course ID: 0920024841
• Memberships - National Science Teacher Association (NSTA), Association for Science Teacher Education (ASTE),  Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), United Educators for Justice (UEJ), Pilot Light Fellowship Alumni Network & Evaluation Summit (PLFAN), Urban Rivers -Volunteer River Ranger, World Wildlife Federation (WWF), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Belong Gallery,  The Nature Conservancy, The National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation (NWF) 

EDUCATION

• Doctor of Education (EdD) ABD: Curriculum, Culture, and Communities. Loyola University, Chicago, IL: Expected 2027

• Education Specialist (EdS): Educational Administration. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL: Expected 2027

• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Elementary Education. Aurora University, Aurora, IL: December 2012
• Bachelor of Arts (BA): Liberal Arts and Sciences. The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL: August 2007