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)
![“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)
