STEM is a highly popular field, garnering interest from more than 75% of Gen Z students in the United States. Despite this large majority, only about a quarter are exposed to careers in STEM and real-world...
What school did you go to?
I started school in Southeast Missouri. I started kindergarten in Sikeston, Mo., and then I moved to Hayti, Mo. and was there until fourth grade. Then I moved to Arcadia Valley,...
With the fresh aroma of sesame seed bagels wafting through the kitchen air, science teacher Amy Van Matre-Woodward wakes up early Saturday morning to bake for her family. Outside of her teaching career,...
Leah Schroeder, Managing Editor-in-Chief
• January 5, 2022
American politics have rarely been as contentious as they are today; the mere mention of a political sway can sound alarms for many. However, for some individuals, the restrictions surrounding the discussion...
![“My family always [put] it in my ear that I really should be a teacher. Two of my sisters are teachers, and I’ve always [enjoyed] explaining [a range of topics]. A place I was working [at] in the health field shut down, and my mom was like, ‘it’s a sign [that] you need to go back to school to get your master’s in education,’ and so I applied at Maryville. I’m proud of my mom. She’s sort of a scrappy person, who is also a good mother and managed to raise us girls while being pretty politically active. My personal value of hard work [is something that matters most to me]. I’m a hard worker [and] I value that in other people. It’s important to me to give it your all, do your best, prepare, and work. I think my students expect to be perfect all the time, but [in reality,] you’re at school to practice and to get better, not to be an expert [from square one]. I feel like [students] sometimes value results rather than respecting themselves for their work. Work hard and be satisfied.” - Sally Steininger, Science](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/KellyS_SteiningerS1-Sage-Kelly-1200x801.jpg)
![Collecting drops of various chemicals, sophomore Avery Hermann prepares to catalyze a reaction in Honors Biology 1. To observe how heat can impact the germination of a seed, Hermann did background research on seven different liquids before experimenting with three of his options. “I liked seeing the chemical processes in person as opposed to videos or readings. It definitely amplified my learning experience [and] it was cool to [be able] to choose from the chemicals and hypothesize which [ones] worked best,” Hermann said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EditedAveryPOTW-1200x800.jpg)
![“Me and a fellow freshman, Jaswitha Tummala, have both been really interested in [starting] Science Olympiad [this year]. [I] did science bowl for all three years in middle school, and last year I led my team to Nationals [as] the captain. I know that all the other schools have enough interest in this subject to host full Science Olympiad teams [with around] 15 people. I didn't think [students at] West had [a lot of] interest, [but] we have almost 30 people ready to form two teams. We’re going to dip our toes in this year and see how things [will] run, and how many people are committed. Next year, after we [have] figured out those logistics, I was thinking about [hosting] a science bowl [which is when] a team with four people plus one alternate person, gets seven seconds to answer a toss-up question related to either Physics, Biology, Math, Chemistry or Energy. If [they] get it right, [the] whole team answers a bonus question. The team with the most points at the end wins the round. It's head-to-head, and there are a lot of heated rounds where two teams have to fight out their buzzes within milliseconds. I'm super excited to start [a club] that can make a lasting impact on student lives, especially those who have a passion for [science], like I do.” - Alisha Yin, 9](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC0013-1200x800.jpg)
![“One of my hobbies is sewing. I love to sew, and I got into it in eighth grade when I took a class in middle school. We made a stuffed animal and a duffel bag, and I thought it was so cool. I've been sewing different things such as clothes, quilts and redoing vintage clothes ever since. I have only taught science, although I taught [ in fourth grade] summer school for about five years with my mom and aunt. My most memorable moments are my most fun [ones]. What makes them memorable is when we have Homecoming weeks and dress-up days. I love having an excuse to dress up like a total moron, and I love making up costumes. I have an entire rack of costume stuff like Halloween costumes, so I love that. Being a science teacher here was my first job, and I've been here ever since. I've been teaching at West throughout, but I will eventually retire [from my current role].” - Colleen O’Toole, Science](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Untitled-1-1200x800.jpg)
![“[This year] has gone extremely well. While there have been times that I've been a little bit overwhelmed with trying to figure out my pacing, with the curriculum, I'm really happy with how much we've accomplished this year. I am extremely excited [to come back] because I will know what the students are like, and I'm just excited to see my current students again in the halls next year. I have the same worries [for next year]. Am I reaching all of the students? Am I helping them the best that I can? Those are my constant worries as an educator and they'll continue to be my worries going forward.” - Stephanie Robert, Science](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DSC_0089-900x600.jpg)
![During an experiment in his honors Force and Motion class, freshman Jacksen McNeal pushes the car across the table. Physics teacher Amy Van Matre-Woodward taught how to calculate velocity and used toy cars as practice for students. “I enjoyed this activity because it was a [creative] way to practice finding velocity. I [also] just liked playing with the cars,” McNeal said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/POW121jpg-900x600.jpg)
![Science teacher Paul Hage points to his Smartboard in the middle of a lecture. Hage feels that topics in the subject that he teaches, specifically in his biology classes, have become increasingly relevant in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think that science can be really relevant. Different people might have different opinions [about science],” Hage said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Behind-the-Bias-1.jpg)