I am happy to support any science instruction you may need!

TORI JOHNSON

VICTORIA.JOHNSON@JORDANDISTRICT.ORG

801.567.8466

7TH GRADE SCIENCE - WEST JORDAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

What do you love about science teaching? 

I love watching my students get excited about the natural world. It's my favorite thing to be a part of a student's "aha!" moment, where they realize that they are a part of a bigger system.

What are some of your hobbies? 

I'm a mover and outdoorswoman. Capoeira, yoga, dancing, backpacking, birding, trail running, skiing, playing with my pup, and listening to music are a few of my favorites.

What's the mantra you live by for your teaching? 

Each day is a blank canvas. You can always try a new strategy, put on a different hat, or reset your mood (this one especially) each day. 

From her principal:

"Allyson Jelitto is an exciting and fun science teacher! Although she is only in her second year of teaching, she's already grown to be a favorite among the students at WJMS! It's not uncommon to see Allyson's classes outside doing something hands-on or buzzing about the classroom doing labs. Allyson also heads-up student and teacher wellness initiatives including Qigong Yoga for teachers and fun yoga sessions for students during Pride Time. Allyson is always looking for ways to help out. She is kind and gentle to all who she comes in contact with. We are so happy that Allyson chose WJMS!"

• Rae Garrison, Principal, WJMS

CHEMISTRY - HERRIMAN HIGH SCHOOL

What made you want to be a science teacher? 

Teaching is actually my second career and something that wasn't on my radar as I went through school.  My original plan was to be an ER physician, but I changed my mind right before I graduated college.  I spent about 7 years as an organic chemist.  I loved the work, but felt like it was too monotonous.  I've always wanted to impact positive change, which I was, but something was lacking.  I jumped into education.  I really want to be able to encourage kids to appreciate (and love) science as much as I do and understand how it impacts their entire world.  I love seeing the recognition when connections are made and students truly understand.  Science has always been my love, throughout all my plans and career changes, science was the one constant.  I hope to invoke a true understanding and appreciation for science.

What's the best advice or mantra you live by? 

I walk into my classroom every day excited to be able to talk about science all day long.  I feel that my love for the subject is contagious.  While it can get challenging, I approach every day with that love of the subject and roll with it.

What are some of your hobbies and/or how do you like to spend your time outside of teaching? 

I'm a family girl.  I have 3 kids and we love to spend our time outside hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring.  My husband and I are both science teachers and we love to pass on our love to our kids.  We love to look for animals, rockhound, and run the occasional chemical reaction.  I'm a huge reader; I love suspense and mystery books.

From her coworkers:

"Jessica has really embraced the new core standards. She is trying to create authentic science experiences for her students. She introduces her units/lessons with real-world phenomena and relates their learning objectives to the real world as well.  As department chair, I do all the ordering and purchasing for the department.  I am always intrigued by what Jessica requests for me to purchase and have to ask her to tell me about the lab that her students will be doing.  They are always creative and fun.

Jessica has put in many hours at the district level to help create lessons so that other teachers would have material to work with as they begin to implement the new standards.  She is a valuable part of our science department and PLC teams."

• Kathryn Blattman, Herriman High School