Hi! My name is Heather Tournear Johnston and I’m a high school science teacher. I have a Bachelors in Science for Chemistry with a minor in Biology, and a Masters in Education for Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision. I’ve been married for one wonderful year, have one fabulous pre-teen daughter,  3 fur babies, and 1 lizard.

As an undergrad I helped out at a local science museum, engaging kids in science activities. Upon graduation, I found a job as a research scientist focused on understanding colon cancer. During my hours of studying genetically mutated mice, I realized how much I missed teaching so made a career change and I’m so glad I did!  I’ve been in education for a total of 10 years; 3 years as a science teacher at Science Museum Oklahoma (outreach programs, in-house classes, and an explosion show), and will be starting my 7th year as a chemistry teacher for a local public high school Fall 2016. I’m the Science Department Chair, a board member and secretary for the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association, a member of the Science Framework Development team for the OK State Department of Education, and a OKSci/OKMath Leadership Alumni. My love for science education grows more each year and I have been blessed by being in a District where I’ve had plenty of opportunities to attend different types of professional development that have greatly contributed to my growth as an educator.

I also work with THE BEST science colleagues and have learned, and continue to learn so much from them – even how to have fun with your teaching 🙂 I seriously don’t know what I’d do with out them!

In the short seven years I’ve taught in public schools, I have learned that my greatest learning moments have been from collaborating with other teachers. I hope to use this blog to share the strategies and resources I’ve discovered so that I can help other teachers the way my colleagues have helped me. I want this blog to feel like you are talking with a friend so your interaction is appreciated! Have thoughts about one of my posts, or are interested in learning something? Please let me know by commenting or by sending me a message. We will both become better educators through our discussions! So join me as I learn, stumble, reflect, and grow as an educator. Happy teaching!