Teacher of the Year (Upper Elementary): Kari Shelton

Meet Kari Shelton

Thank you CASE for this honor. As a teacher, I often feel like there is more that I should be doing and that I can always improve, always keep learning and growing like we ask our students to do. I’ve worked really hard for a long time toward becoming a better educator for my students. It is a wonderful feeling to be recognized for my efforts. I am grateful to the support I have received from my community.

Can you share the story behind your journey in this field?
I was really lucky in that at the time that I graduated college there was a grant available through the state of CA to get a teaching credential and work in “underperforming” schools, which enabled me to stay in school and get my masters and credential. I began teaching in dual immersion bilingual schools and then worked in LAUSD for a decade as a classroom teacher. Later, I started teaching at High Tech High in San Diego, which is a project-based school that focuses on equity and inclusion. I had a great science teacher mentor, Shelley Glenn Lee, that helped me think about how to build integrated curriculum that is anchored in science. I became passionate about doing hands-on science projects and getting students involved out in the community. Several years ago I became the dedicated science teacher at my elementary school site. In my role I am able to design integrated science projects for all the students in my school and focus on science education.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in science education?
Kids are natural scientists. I try to harness their natural curiosity to create prolonged projects that builds on their background knowledge. I also think that using science is a great way to engage students in math and literacy.

What’s next for you?
Good question!
What excites you most about the future of science education?
I think it’s more important that ever before for students to become stewards of the earth, to be critical thinkers, and to develop the skills to design solutions to problems. The passion that I see in my students gives me hope that these young people will become the leaders we need.

What is your favorite book/podcast right now?
I have been reading Braiding Sweetgrass for an embarrassingly long time. It takes me a long time to read each chapter because it makes me think so much.