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Teacher Spotlight
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About
The Teacher Spotlight program for the San Diego Science Project (SDSP) was created to support and share innovative and exemplary educators who are advancing K12 science instruction. This is rooted in the mission of the SDSP to build and support science educator networks and deliver science resources in response to the interests and needs of educators. The goal for each spotlight is to show regard for the expertise of teachers and inspire others to implement equity-centered instructional practices.
Spotlights will be shared on the SDSP website, email newsletter, and relevant social networks.
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October Teacher Leader Spotlight
Aaron Sottile
"Wisdom begins in wonder."
Socrates
As a science teacher with over 20 years of experience, I believe that wonder is at the heart of effective science education. In my classroom, I strive to spark curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions that drive authentic scientific inquiry. I have spent the last two decades teaching and leading in the Carlsbad Unified School District, where I serve as the Science Department Chair and Tech coach. My passion for innovative, student-centered teaching has guided me in roles such as a Cooperating Teacher and Onsite Liaison for the Cal State San Marcos Middle Level Teacher Preparation program, 3D Printing Ambassador with Printlab and Project X STEM Ambassador with the USA Science & Engineering Festival. Along the way, I’ve been honored as a Carlsbad Unified School District Teacher of the Year, received an Impact Award from the Classroom of the Future Foundation, and received the Lynette Robinson Award for Inclusive Education from the North County Consortium for Special Education.
One of my favorite quotes by Socrates, "Wisdom begins in wonder," beautifully captures how I approach science teaching. My goal is to cultivate a learning environment where students' natural curiosity leads them to explore, experiment, and truly understand the world around them. By anchoring lessons in phenomena that ignite wonder, I see students become active agents of their own learning. This approach fosters engagement and critical thinking, qualities I seek to inspire in both my students and fellow educators.
As a new teacher leader with the San Diego Science Project (SDSP), I’m excited to join a community of educators who share my enthusiasm for creating meaningful science learning experiences. The SDSP allows me to continue growing as a teacher by collaborating with researchers and adopting cutting-edge teaching strategies. For example, my involvement with the "Science of Sound & Music" program has been an amazing opportunity to bring real-world science into my classroom. It allowed my students to explore sound waves through inquiry driven, hands-on investigations, culminating in a classroom concert that exemplified the joy of learning. Experiences like this have invigorated my teaching practice, and I look forward to sharing this energy with other educators.
Looking ahead to the new school year, I’m eager to extend my reach as a science leader, helping to inspire the next generation of teachers, learners, and innovators. Through my work with SDSP, I hope to enhance my own practice while contributing to a broader community that values collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to advancing science education for all students. I believe that by fostering wonder in students and supporting teachers in their professional journeys, we can create learning experiences that are truly transformative.
August Teacher Leader Spotlight
Melanie Villanueva
“Create a Classroom Culture of Ideas, Not Answers.”
- Page Keeley: Science Formative Assessment
In 1997, I began my journey at the University of Massachusetts as a chemistry major. Early on, I was struck by how many people reacted negatively when I mentioned my major, often sharing stories of dull or uninspiring high school chemistry experiences. These reactions fueled my desire to change the way students perceive science, ultimately leading me to become an educator with the mission of fostering a lasting appreciation of the scientific world.
Over the years, I've been proud to contribute to the world of education, particularly in supporting early-career science teachers. My roles as a new teacher mentor in my school district and as a teacher-leader with the San Diego Science Project have allowed me to connect educators and students with authentic scientific research and help foster a strong, supportive community within the profession.
Now, as a district science TOSA for Sweetwater, I believe that the key to effective teaching lies in connecting with students and understanding their needs. My experience as a Knowles Teacher Initiative fellow helped me develop a solid foundation in pedagogical content knowledge, enabling me to support teachers in creating engaging, thoughtful learning environments that make science accessible to all students.
The current burnout and retention crisis in education, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is a pressing issue that demands systemic change. Teachers are being asked to give everything without the necessary support, leading to a loss of talented educators. Connecting with other science teachers in similar situations via SDSP projects and professional learning can help to improve both teacher well-being and student outcomes.
Looking ahead to the new school year, my hope is that both students and teachers will feel more connected to learning and to each other. Building strong, supportive relationships is key to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and I’m committed to helping foster this sense of community across our district.
Finally, we must remember to be "marigolds" to one another—supportive and nurturing figures in a field that can often feel isolating and overwhelming. By standing together and supporting each other, we can ensure a brighter future for both educators and students, creating an environment where quality education and teacher well-being are prioritized.
