I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Special Education. I currently hold certifications in both general science (grades 5-8) and special education (grades n-9). Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked for ten years at a leading chemical company in both research and development and industrial hygiene. As an Industrial Hygienist, I was responsible for the recognition, evaluation, and control of chemical and physical agents in the work place that could cause sickness or impaired health. My experience working in the laboratory and industrial setting has afforded me the opportunity of sharing real-life scientific experience with my students and incorporating the knowledge I gained into my lessons. I have been working in the Belchertown School System for the past twenty years. I taught special education for 12 years prior to transferring to eighth grade science.