Joan+Braun,+Noyce+Fellow



jbraun@fergflor.k12.mo.us
 * Joan Braun, Science Teacher/Department Chair**
 * Cross Keys Middle School**

//**Why did you become a teacher? Why do you continue to teach?**//

For a while, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I always had an interest in science. While some children played “house”, I played “scientist” looking through my brother’s microscope at various specimens I found lying around. My mom was an elementary teacher and sometimes she would ask me to help in her classroom. I was pretty good at bulletin boards. But, when it came to deciding my college major, I started off wanting to be a physical therapist. At the same time, my summer job positions were as camp counselor, summer school teacher’s aide, and swimming instructor. Somewhere along the line, I realized that I could combine my love of science while doing what I had already liked doing… working with kids. As the saying goes, “the rest was history” and I have spent the past 30 years teaching middle school science.
 * Why I became a Teacher**

I have stayed in teaching despite the changes and challenges over the years because I still love what I do. PLC, RTI, MAP, and other educational initiatives come and go, but essentially I do the same thing that I did when I started. I spend time with kids helping them discover the world around them. Let me put it another way.
 * Why I stayed in teaching**

I got into teaching a while ago Because I loved science and helping kids grow

Teaching is not easy, there are obstacles galore I’ve encountered my share or more

Why have I stayed? Well here is a clue I get up every morning and love what I do

I would much rather see a kid “get it” or a moment of “ah ha” Than I would like to spend a day at the spa

It’s not just the concepts and skills I impart There’s much more to come; I provide a good start

This job is so worth it because many depend On teachers to help them reach goals in the end

One day a doctor or dentist may state with glee You were my science teacher. Do you remember me?