As a researcher, science shares a prime spot for me among all subjects in middle and high school. It is indeed a forefront of the educational conversation.

Teaching science helps student increase their fundamental knowledge by offering hands-on experience that speeds up comprehension and improves learning by providing cognitive skills and critical thinking. The insatiable thirst for practical concepts helps students better understand the world around them and nurtures their thought of trying to better their own lives and that of others in the long run.

I believe in promoting resilience skills which helps in developing a positive attitude towards learning. This helps the students gain an ability to cope with any problems and challenges that come their way, both in academics, and life overall.

I have taught 11th and 12th grade life sciences for a while and have many wonderful classroom memories — high school students are hilarious! One particularly rewarding memory was overhearing a student who often struggled academically and overheard her talking among friends about how much she liked my class:

“Miss Raj really teaches us. She doesn’t just give us worksheets. She cares about us and wants us to learn.”

I was in my first year and her comment meant a lot to me both because it gave me the confidence that I was doing something right, but also because it was a lesson in the power of respecting students as people and expecting them to rise to a challenge.

There is no greater sense of reward for a teacher than to see their students succeed. Passing on knowledge to the next generation to achieve their goals is truly a fulfilling experience for me.