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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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December Teacher Leader Spotlight
Joyce Yang
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams". - Eleanor Roosevelt
I am a STEAM TOSA for TK-5th in Escondido Union School District. As an SDSP teacher leader, I have access to ongoing professional learning opportunities through workshops, collaborating with other educators, and connecting with science experts actively conducting research. SDSP teacher leaders have the unique opportunity to shape and influence instructional strategies and school culture, through taking real-world science concepts and phenomenons and research from experts in the field and adapting it to fit the needs of my elementary-aged students. SDSP helps my work by creating a unique network of individuals also passionate about science education.
This last month I worked with Alexander Weyant, a Graduate Student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) with his work on gathering weather data in California (heat and humidity levels) and applying the patterns toward the phenomenon “Wind, Rain, Fire: Why does Southern California have Santa Ana Winds?” From Alexander's research, I created a lesson that
explains the dynamic between heat and humidity. Students then used data to explain the phenomenon. I worked with Alexander to install a weather station at one of the schools so that students would have more access to accurate weather data at their fingertips.
As a teacher leader with the San Diego Science Project (SDSP), I am excited to continue to bring real-world climate challenge topics to my students and continue to learn from experts while creating applicable lessons for all diverse learners.
For the new year, I am looking forward to continuing to share my love of science and learning with the next group of students. I am eager to continue to collaborate with other educators who share that same love. Creating these lifelong experiences is timeless and priceless for all students and teachers.
December Teacher Leader Spotlight
Kim Klinko
As a middle school science teacher for 14 years, my goal has been to make science accessible for all students as well as find ways to incorporate and encourage environmental literacy. I currently teach 7th and 8th grade science and environmental studies in Lakeside, CA. I also volunteer in the California Science Educators Association Environmental Literacy Committee.
“Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Jane Goodall.
As a middle school science and environmental educator Jane Goodall’s quote has multiple meanings for me. I strive to empower my students to see themselves as changemakers. Especially when teaching heavy topics, like global change, students need to know that even individuals can make a difference. It also reminds me that even though I am just one educator, I can make a difference too. My hope is that my students see themselves as environmental stewards and share what we learn in class to their homes, communities and beyond.
As a new teacher leader with the San Diego Science Project (SDSP), I’m excited to join a community of educators who share my passion for environmental and scientific literacy. I was naturally drawn to the SDSP Climate Champion Design Summitt this summer where we learned how to better implement the Understanding Global Change resources in the classroom. It was an amazing experience hearing from real scientists and graduate students from UCSD about their research. Walking away with lessons I could use in my classroom was truly invaluable. I have also enjoyed attending Teacher/Researcher Collaboratives (TRCs). After hearing from Graduate Student, Alexander Weyant about his work with weather stations, I was asked to design a lesson sequence utilizing the data routine. I am so excited to be receiving a weather station for my school site and to work directly with the SoCal Heat Hub to provide real world experiences for my students as well as continuing to create engaging lessons to share with educators.
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.
