As a stay-at-home mom raising three children, I had plenty of opportunities to "play" teacher. I volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and story hour reader at our local library. I realized that I enjoyed working with children and decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I have always loved nature, and my parents told me that even as a young child I had collections of leaves, pinecones, clam shells, and other natural items stashed under my bed. The obvious choice for me was to go into the field of science education. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where I earned both my bachelor's degree in education and my master's degree in environmental science.

Upon graduation, I accepted a position in my hometown, Medford, Wis., where I still teach today after 13 years. I have taught fifth grade, seventh grade social studies, and eighth grade science. In 2001, I completed and passed the very rigorous National Board for Professional Teaching Standards' certification in the area of early adolescent science. Besides teaching young adults, I teach master's level classes in the area of environmental education at a nearby university and I work as an honorary associate in the chemical engineering department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I develop curriculum and teach workshops on nanotechnology integration.

The highlight of my science teaching career occurred this past year when I traveled to Washington D.C., to accept the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. I was both honored and humbled that the White House would recognize my efforts in the classroom and pay tribute to me for something I do every day and simply enjoy doing.

As a science teacher, I have experienced many opportunities to grow professionally. I have participated in a fellowship at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where I learned about rocketry and thermal protection systems. As a participant in several National Geographic Society curriculum projects, I have been able to integrate my love of global travel with social studies, reading, and science curricula. I was awarded a Fulbright Hayes Fellowship to study in South Africa and a Fulbright Memorial Fellowship to study in Japan. In both instances, I learned much about the educational systems, policies, methods, and content curricula of other countries. My passion for the environment and teaching has taken me to every continent — except Antarctica — where I have helped teachers across the world develop environmental curricula for their schools and universities. Topping off my list of favorite places that I have worked are: Ireland, Costa Rica, Russia, Brazil, and Switzerland.

As Past President of the Wisconsin International Educators Association, and through my involvement as a board member for the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST) and my position as founder for WSST Adventures, I have been able to share my passion for science, the environment, and traveling with many teachers through workshops.

When I am not in my classroom, I enjoy spending time with my children, who are scattered across the country. My husband, Peter, and I are passionate about baseball and visit stadiums all around the country following favorite teams. I love to camp, golf, bike ride, and write. This past year, my first children's story was published by SRA-McGraw Hill. It was entitled, "Breakfast for the Ducklings."