Future Science Teacher Award: Andrea Ramos

Meet Andrea Ramos

To me this award means that whatever it is that I’m doing in my career I am doing right. This award shows me that I am capable of bringing science into future classrooms and expanding the interest of my students in a way that they probably didn’t think it was possible. This award to me is viewed almost as a validation for all the hard work I have put for my passion of being a science educator.

What inspired you to pursue science education as a career?
Science, specifically Biology, has been my subject of interest throughout K-12 education which is one of the reasons as to why I have a degree in Biological Sciences. During my time as an undergraduate at UC Davis, I had the opportunity to intern in multiple science classrooms and work as a tutor for elementary students. As a tutor, I was able to provide academic support and a safe learning space to a culturally diverse group of students. The position as a tutor motivated me to pursue a career in education.

Why are you passionate about science education?
Science is an interesting subject; however, it is often perceived as a difficult subject that is not accessible to all. My interest in Science Education motivates me to create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment that encourages science learning. The idea of making science fun and accessible to all students formulates my passion towards science education.

How has your educational journey influenced the kind of teacher you would like to be in the future?
I come from California’s Central Valley, known for its agricultural industry. It is also the home to some of the strongest individuals who take the laboring position as farm workers that harvest the foods that are brought to the dinner tables. Many of these workers are Latinx immigrant workers whose primary language is not English meaning that their children formulate the group of first-generation students that will navigate academia on their own. As a first-generation student and the oldest child in the family, I had to navigate and figure out what higher education was for me.

I have learned the challenges of studying subjects in science across my K-12 and undergraduate education. One of the challenges as an emergent bilingual was not being able to understand many phrases in my classrooms. It was challenging to connect a language that was not my primary language to scientific terminology. I also faced the challenge of balancing school, work, and personal life. I personally have worked in the grape vineyards to pay for my school materials and extracurricular activities in order to relieve the financial burden for my parents. As a future educator, this challenge truly showed how important it is for me to understand my students. Being a first-generation and native Spanish speaker, I want my future students to feel welcomed and supported to use their primary languages in education. I strive to create a safe classroom environment that encourages students to learn while also taking into consideration that everyone comes from different cultural and learning backgrounds.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I hope to complete my teaching credential and Master’s from the School of Education at UC Davis. My hope during this time is to learn how to grow as an educator. I also hope to find myself serving my community and marginalized students that are underrepresented in science.