Amanda Solarsh

amandasolarsh@gmail.com

SUMMARY
Over ten years of professional STEM and science teaching experience in NYC middle school
Co-created and currently teaching new STEM elective course for middle school students
Developed curriculum integrating technology, Common Core standards, S.T.E.M., and differentiated instruction
Presented on STEM education and best teaching practices at several national conferences and workshops
Translated interest in environmental science into sustainability initiative at my school
Mentored student teachers and first-year science teachers in their professional development

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
MS 104 Simon Baruch Middle School, New York, NY
STEM Teacher Grades 6-8, August 2013- Present
Plan and implement engineering and design based lessons and projects for new elective course that emphasize real world
applications of science, technology, engineering, and math and critical thinking skills
Facilitate student participation in national STEM competitions, e.g. West Point Bridge Design Competition
Co-developed afterschool program to involve other interested students in STEM design projects
Presented to science department and school PTA on STEM education

Grade, August 2007 June 2016

Science Teacher 7th
Plan and implement daily science lessons that focus on problem solving and applications of core science concepts in
biology, chemistry, and earth science
Modify subject matter to meet needs of all students including those who are gifted, learning disabled, and with limited
English proficiency
Create lessons and assessments that align with new literacy initiative of the common core state standards
Collect data throughout the year to inform differentiation and small group instruction

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
NYC DOE STEM Handbook, New York, NY
Contributor, July 2015-Present
Developed effective STEM lesson plans to be published in the NYC DOE STEM Handbook
Contributed to STEM Framework, a document to assist new teachers, administrators, and school communities in
developing comprehensive STEM programs and mentorships at their schools

Math for America, New York, NY

Master Teacher Fellow, July 2013- Present
Selected to Master Teacher Fellowship program for embodying strong and effective teaching practices and leadership in
education
Participate in professional development community to improve and share teaching practices

Urban Advantage Middle School Science Initiative, New York, NY

Lead Teacher, June 2013-Present
Assisted facilitation professional development for science teachers at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Develop curriculum for guiding students through long term science investigations
Support new teachers in teaching science content through inquiry and hands-on investigations

Verizon Design Lab Teacher Fellowship, New York Hall of Science Queens, NY
Teacher, July 2012 - Present
Developed curriculum for the NYSCI Design Lab
Presented to current Verizon Design Lab Fellows on structuring design challenges for the classroom
Published STEM units: Hurricane Shelter Design, Shaping Up Structures, Playgrounds for All, Taking the
Mud out of Mudslide, and Vertical Farms.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

STEM EXPO NSTA Orlando, July 2017

Manufacturing and Engineering: Working Together to Support Real-World Problem Solving
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words: Strategies to Support Superb Sketches in the Classroom

NSTA National Conference Los Angeles March 2017

Transforming the T in STEM: Utilizing Technology in All Aspects of the 5E Instructional Model
Giving Life to Life Science Design Challenges

NYC DOE STEM Institute, February 2017

Design Challenges from our Classroom to Yours

STEM EXPO NSTA Denver, July 2016

Biome Challenges that will Blow Your Mind
Science STEMIFICATION: Bringing Science Instruction into the 21st Century with STEM Infusions

NSTA National Conference Nashville, March 2016

Pitching Student Innovation and Community Building Through Shark Tank
Collaborate, Innovate and Communicate with Circuit City
Get the Maker Party Started

NYC DOE STEM Institute, July 2015

Strategies for STEM Success

STEM EXPO NSTA Minneapolis, May 2015

Make Student-centered Learning Visible Through Invisible Teaching Strategies
Create Future Engineers: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems

NSTA National Conference Chicago, March 2015

Addressing Diverse Learning Needs at Both Ends of the STEM Spectrum

STEM Expo NSTA New Orleans, May 2014

Structure vs. Inquiry: Finding the Right Balance to Support STEM in the Classroom
Prototyping Your Way to Success in the STEM Classroom
Science Museum as Catalyst for Bringing Design and Engineering Practices into the Classroom
PROFESSIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
NY Institute of Technology Outstanding STEM Educator, May 2014
Fund for Teachers Summer Fellowship, April 2014

EDUCATION
Hunter College, New York, NY
Masters in Educational Leadership, Anticipated May 2018

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), New York, NY

Certificate in STEM Education, May 2013

City College of New York, New York, NY

Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education (7-12), May 2009

Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Ithaca, NY

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, May 2007

CREDENTIALS
New York State Professional Certificate; Earth Science (7-12)
New York City Teaching Fellow Cohort 14 (June 2007-May 2009)