Teaching is a dynamic profession, every day is a different challenge ripe with opportunities to learn and grow.”

Meghan’s Story (she/her/hers)

Teaching Discipline

Biology and Environmental Science

Why Biology

“I have always been fascinated by the natural world. In the biology classroom, I want to instill curiosity in my students and inspire them to explore their natural world, understand the impacts humans have on it, and see themselves as scientists who can think critically to solve problems.”

Professional Experience

Before graduate school, Meghan worked as a wilderness trip leader and environmental educator. Through this work, she fell in love with teaching youth, and after nine years in the outdoor education industry, she transitioned to the classroom.

In 2013, she joined Monarch High School as a student teacher, and has been teaching there ever since. At Monarch, she has had the opportunity to teach biology, environmental science, physical science, and AP Environmental Science. She has taken on multiple roles in the school, including science department chair, equity committee member, and GSA and Eco Club sponsor. At the district level, Meghan is a member of the STEM Leadership Cohort, a group of teachers developing and piloting NGSS-aligned curriculum.

The Knowles Teaching Fellowship supported Meghan in building incredibly important and inspiring connections, both personal and professional. With Knowles, Meghan had the opportunity to deepen the inclusion of gender and sexual diversity topics in math and science, leading to several summer conference presentations, and the use of pronoun ribbons on Knowles nametags, giving her the confidence to do the same work in her school and district. Knowles also led Meghan to professional connections with Lucas Education Research and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). Through Lucas Education Research, she had the opportunity to pilot a project-based learning AP Environmental Science curriculum, which is gaining use across the country. With BSCS, Meghan has engaged in a long-term study geared towards better supporting science student teachers. Also, she participated in piloting their Human(e) Genetics Curriculum that is designed to reduce racism and human genetics misconceptions amongst high school biology students. The support from Knowles has turned her into a lifelong learner who is committed to advancing equity and social justice in the science classroom.

Hobbies

Meghan enjoys spending time outside in all seasons and all climates with her partner and dog, traveling to new places, eating out, and visiting her family in Ontario (direct flight from Philly to Toronto, thank you!).

Academic Background

  • University of Colorado-Boulder (Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction)
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology)