Happy Anniversary, STEMsmart Consulting

A little over two years ago, I left my full time teaching position to start STEMsmart Consulting (thanks Squarespace for the domain renewal reminder). I thought I could have a greater impact outside of the classroom instead of in it, using my superpowers of (and extensive training for) science and STEM curriculum design, program development, and teacher education. 

I wanted to make a big dent in the lack of accessibility and equity in science education in the US. I wanted to make sure that every student had the opportunity to make an impact through the increasingly relevant and widening category of STEM professions. 

I have not yet made that dent, but I’ve been lucky enough to make little scratches along the way. I’ve designed math curriculum for students who are below grade level and need to catch up. I’ve created a collection of free SAT and ACT prep materials. I’ve provided pay-what-you-can tutoring and academic support to students around the country. I’ve provided training for other tutors who do the same. 

In that time, I also built an entire human being and escorted another through toddlerhood. I completed a STEM education doctoral program. I’ve done more for-profit test prep tutoring that I expected, but I’ve found I enjoy it and it helps pay for child care so I can do more unpaid-so-far content development. Plus, I’m great at it. I’ve learned about building a social media presence and eagerly tracked clicks. I’m not so great at that, but I’m working on it.

I want to express gratitude to everyone who helped me get this far and those who will help me get closer to my goals. I am lucky that my privilege allows me to take these risks and make these choices. I hope I can pay it back, on the back end. 

Thank you, every student, client, professor, advisor, and supervisor I’ve had along the way,  for challenging me and supporting me.