Ms. Lavelle is a new science teacher at Abington Heights this year. Ms. Lavelle did not plan to be a teacher when she entered college and in undergrad studied biochemistry, Spanish, and philosophy. Ms. Lavelle believed herself on track for med school but got a government scholarship to be an ambassador in a foreign country for a year. 

   Ms. Lavelle chose Spain and taught science in a bilingual high school. She always felt like she could be a teacher but was steered away from it by others. 

   “People always say it’s really hard to be a teacher, so they always discourage me from doing that, but once I was actually doing the work, I really enjoyed it.”

   When moving to the Abingtons, Ms. Lavelle admitted to it being hard to find a job as a teacher because normally teachers pick a school and stay there until they retire. She found this job from a student she tutored last year sending her a Facebook post about the position and suggested she apply.

Ms. Lavelle describes herself as being proud of how nerdy and cheesy she is. When asking her students about her they had nothing but positive feedback. Her students described her as patient, energetic, helpful, and kind.

    One of her students Audra stated, “Her class is fun, especially when we have a lab! She’s also a really good teacher. If we don’t understand something she doesn’t hesitate to break it down.”

   Ms. Lavelle reminds herself that a crucial part of being a teacher is to be a support system to kids and allow them access to whatever is next on their path. Ms. Lavelle believes that in our nation and culture, we are creating a growing disbelief in science and that is something she fears and feels is dangerous. She believes teaching science to the future generation is crucial at this time.

“I really think it’s important that students have a comprehensive and practical education in science so that they can be humans in the real world and take data and determine for themselves whether it’s accurate or not.”

  Ms. Lavelle thinks it is important to remember that everyone brings their own unique experience and you never know what that is. Ms. Lavelle believes in the importance of school because every teen needs a place that is predictable and safe.

   Ms. Lavelle loves working with young people, and teaching science and feels very happy to be working at Abington because it's the content, not the location that matters to her.

    “It doesn’t matter where you are, it’s who you’re with.”