GEM-SET : Girls' E-Mentoring Program : Science | Engineering | Technology
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Barbara Mammen
Supervisor of Science & Technology
Manalapan-Englishtown Regional Schools
Englishtown, NJ
 

I recently attended my high school reunion at which each alumni was given a copy of their high school transcript. To look at the document, no one could imagine that I would travel a career path in science, technology, or education! My grades in science were dismal! Looking back on my schooling I can recall lecture driven science instruction and gender inequity as the main barriers to my success in science class. Perhaps that is why, today, I am an active proponent of the acquisition of scientific and technological literacy by the students in our public schools. As a Supervisor of Science and Technology for a suburban New Jersey school district, I work diligently with teachers and administrators to insure that our students acquire scientific process skills, scientific knowledge, and experience using technology as a learning and problem-solving tool.

The turning point for me occurred during my student teaching experience. I realized that the students exhibited the most excitement and interest when I taught a hands-on, minds-on science lesson. The conclusion was a no brainer for me - teaching science was what I wanted to do! After receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, I pursued a Master of Science in Science and Environmental Education. I taught middle school science for twelve years, worked as a writer and science consultant in the educational publishing field for another twelve years, and have been a curriculum supervisor for five years. But, the most rewarding aspect of my career is when I have the opportunity to visit classrooms and share my love of science with students.