I began my formal education with an associates in engineering followed by a chemistry degree while working full time. I decided to pursue a highly qualified science teaching degree shortly after having my son and have been teaching high school science for fifteen years. I currently teach Astronomy, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Chemistry, Physics, and Stars and Cosmology at Charleston High School along with sponsoring CHS science club. I love seeing students gain confidence and break through their own preconceived notions that science is too hard. Watching students develop a love for science is absolutely exuberating. I am currently attending the American College of Education and this NISE certificate is an integral piece of my Masters in STEM education. I am an active member of our science curriculum writing team, educational technology committee, and our METT, manufacturing engineering, trades, and technology, team. I am passionate about providing students with real world authentic science lessons and hope to bridge the enormous gap between the academic and industrial world. I had the privilege of designing a new course in collaboration with the University of Illinois during my first years teaching. The course was called physics and chemistry of modern technology and incorporated chemistry and physics principles in relation to a realistic concept of how things work. Not only did the course align with NGSS, but it framed the units in a practical real-world application that provided students with valuable 21st century skills: the units included energy, transportation, shelter, and communication.