Author Archives: notarealteachers

Why I’m Hopeful

Posted on March 27, 2017

Today, it is easy to be discouraged about the state of the world. On NPR today, I heard about the hunger crisis. Yesterday, I talked to a P.I. at a large research institution in despair about the proposed budget and … Continue reading →

Posted in advice, alternative career, confidence, teaching, women in science | Tagged , | Leave a comment

I get it now: Reflections of a seasonal stay at home mom

Posted on September 12, 2016

I used to balk at the prospect of staying at home with my child. My mother in-law has frequently and less than gently suggested and touted the benefits of staying home with her own small children. “I’m a busy body,” … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, empathy, happiness, motherhood, teaching | 1 Comment

Life Lessons from Teenagers

Posted on December 28, 2015

“So, what do you guy think of this?” I asked my students, using all my effort to bite my tongue and let my students express their own opinions. I was discussing the 2014 decision by Facebook and Apple to subsidize … Continue reading →

Posted in early career scientist, female scientist, graduate school, job search, motherhood, role models, teaching, transitions | 4 Comments

“Do you need a Ph.D. for that?”

Posted on July 31, 2015

As a recent Ph.D.-graduate-turned-high-school-teacher, I am constantly fielding questions about my transition. These come from my former graduate student friends, my current colleagues and even a few from my students. People seem shockingly interested in why someone would give up … Continue reading →

Posted in female scientist | Tagged , | 3 Comments

My (blank) lab alumni page

Posted on May 12, 2015

The other day, I was looking for the proper citation for a publication from my graduate lab. I’ve been working on a manuscript to be published in an educational journal. In the process, I had to resurrect some information from … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, Leaving Academia | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

A Day in the Life of a High School Science Teacher

Posted on March 19, 2015

5:30 AM: First alarm goes off and I hit snooze, hoping to rest for 10 more minutes 5:32 AM: My little lady starts crying to get out of her crib. I try to pretend I’m asleep so my husband will … Continue reading →

Posted in a day in the life, alternative career, motherhood, teaching | Tagged , | 1 Comment

My (not at all straightforward) road to teaching

Posted on January 6, 2015

“Are you a teacher?” an earnest looking eighteen year old girl asked me questioningly. I stood before a group of average looking adolescent women in my brand new pencil skirt, jittery from my third cup of coffee that day. I … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative career, job search, teaching, transitions | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments