Courtney Mayer
Winston Churchill High School
San Antonio, Texas

What do you teach at your school?
AP Environmental Science

How long have you been a teacher?
16 years

Describe an instance that made you particularly proud to be a teacher.
I am particularly proud when a student comes back from college to visit and tells me that because of my class they have decided to pursue a career in Environmental Science. I know then that I have made a difference!

List any teaching awards you have won.
The S.T.E.M. award, the Y-100 teacher of the week award, and I was nominatedby my principal for the College Board's AP award.

What do you do for fun?
For fun we like to vacation! Last summer my family took a 21-day campingtrip to the national parks. We travelled 5400 miles and saw amazing animals and plants. The best part though was sitting around the campfire with my husband and kids and just talking with no cell phone or computers to distract us! I also love to run and just completed my second full marathon this year.

What books are on your nightstand right now?
I am in a book club of women. Our book this month was "Not Between Brothers." I am also reading the teen book "Twilight" because all my girl students are carrying it around and I wanted to know what the big deal was!

Why do you like to train other teachers?
Training teachers is so different from teaching seniors. I like theinteraction that you get when you are working with adults. It is also fun to have the teachers get excited about the new class they are going to teach and I feel like I have a lot to do with that excitement!

Why do you choose to teach in the teacher professional developmentprograms at Rice in particular?
Rice hosts a wonderful APSI. The staff is very friendly and helpful and the campus is beautiful. I also find that the teachers that come to the Rice APSI are ready to learn and are ready and willing to do any labs I throw at them.

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