Mrs. Ransom

I was born and raised in Ventura County, attending Saticoy Elementary School, Balboa Middle School, and St. Bonaventure High School ('00). I then earned my B.S. in Biopsychology with minors in Biochemistry and Exercise Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I earned my single subject teaching credentials in Chemistry and Biology from California Lutheran University in 2007 and my Masters in Teaching from National University in 2008. Before coming to UPCS, I taught AP and IB Chemistry, college prep chemistry, and biology at Rio Mesa High School for five years and one year of chemistry at St. Bonaventure High School before that.

In October 2013 I had my first child, Jameson, and in January of 2016 I had my second, Josephine. They are definitely keeping me on my toes and I really love being a mom. Jameson is now a first grader at UPCS and Josephine will start kindergarten in the fall. In addition, I have the privilege of claiming my husband's two awesome kiddos, Max and Ella. I also enjoy reading, eating yummy food with great friends, weightlifting, hiking, and dancing.

I have a vibrant passion for teaching kids how to be innovative, collaborative, and compassionate learners. In my role as Science Coach, I conduct investigations and create experiences for K-8 students on a daily basis. I also collaborate with CSUCI's education department, mentoring student teachers and co-teaching their science methods courses. Additionally, with Ms. Evan's support I was able to create the VC STEMposium, a week long summer institute where teachers learned to transition and implement the Next Generation Science Standards. I am also actively involved in our state and local science education community as a member of the California Community of Practice in Science and the Ventura County NGSS Leadership Network as a trainer of trainers. Advocating for science at all levels is important to me and I was also lucky enough to have the opportunity to be a founding board member for kidSTREAM Children's Museum Board as Director of Curriculum and Programming. I strongly believe that students learn best when they drive the learning and the teacher facilitates through asking high-level questions. It is my goal to help teachers create independent students who can problem solve and think critically with confidence.

I'm very excited to be a part of the UPCS community and look forward to investigating the amazing world of science with you and your family.