Teachers should have an elevated voice in our society due to the tremendous impact they have on the future of society. Teachers should feel empowered to use that voice to create environments that are conducive to student learning and growth—for some, that voice might just be within the school; for others, within a district; others still, across a state or nation. If teachers’ voices become valued, tremendous positive change could be affected in our education system.”
Justin’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Physics
Why Physics
“I chose physics for two reasons: 1) I really enjoyed it when I took it in high school, even though it was challenging and 2) most people I talk to either didn’t like it or were afraid to ever take it. I don’t think another subject evokes a more visceral, negative reaction than physics. I want to change that. I want the students that I am able to reach to have the same positive experience with physics that I did because it is fun! And it is all around us.”
Professional Experience
Justin spent 5 years in New Orleans at Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy teaching a mix of Physics (AP and non-AP), Physical Science, and Astronomy. While there, he also served as a department chair, teacher leader fellow, mentor teacher, and was co-Senior Class Sponsor.
He began teaching at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in St. Louis in the 2023-2024 school year and is still there teaching Physics and AP Physics C. In his time there, he is most proud to have helped bring a Starlab Portable Planetarium to his school and the district through a funded grant and is excited to see how it continues to be utilized in new ways!
Hobbies
Justin has become a big advocate for healthy work-life boundaries and can usually be found spending time with his partner and their son. He likes to cook, read and write, build lego sets, golf, and coach hockey.
Academic Background
- University of Mississippi (Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction)
- University of Mississippi (Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Science Education, Physics)