Future Science Teacher Award: Ariel Amon

Meet Ariel Amon

I am honored to receive the 2026 CASE award recognition, and I am excited for what it may mean as I become a science teacher. As someone who has loved science and has aspired to teach science all of my life, it is validating to know that I have the support of this organization to help me in my career as a science teacher. I look forward to learning from and collaborating with science teachers, many of whom have inspired my learning and fascination with the natural world throughout my life.

Much of my science knowledge also comes from my love of the outdoors and my experience learning about nature hands-on through travels, hiking, backpacking, skiing, and environmental projects. Science learning ideally combines classroom instruction and experimentation with real-life activities, such as outdoor observations, field studies, medical/vet/health science experiences, night sky viewing, plant and animal identification, and other ways of learning. I appreciate the resources the CASE organization may offer to enrich my students' learning.

I hope to guide my students towards an appreciation of the relevance of the natural world in their lives' and I hope to gain inspiration, share ideas, and learn skills through the CASE organization.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you’d share with others?
Always giving benefit of the doubt is a mantra that I have found incredibly helpful as a teacher. When a student isn't having their best day and acting out as a result, it is vital that I give the student grace and acknowledge that I may not know what they are experiencing but I can provide them with a safe environment, nonetheless. We may all have the desire to be the exciting teacher that sparks a love of science in every student, and although I have that desire, my goal every day is that students leave my classroom a little more at peace then when they entered. Carrying myself with humility and patience has allowed me to feel the benefits of being a teacher to all ages.

Can you share the story behind your journey in this field?
Growing up, a favorite activity of mine was upturning rocks and logs to see what nature lie beneath. Science and exploration were synonymous for me from a young age. I was either glued to the TV as Steve Irwin tackled a crocodile or with my head nose deep in family medicine journals that belonged to my mom. As an adult, I have been working in classrooms for close to a decade. Immediately after graduating from UCD with a bachelor's degree in human development, I found myself working as a paraeducator in a Junior High School in Davis. During these five years as a paraeducator I would support students as they tackled science classes daily. After working as a paraeducator, I turned toward substitute teaching and was fortunate to be hired on as a long-term substitute in a 7th grade science classroom. During my eight-month stint as the long-term substitute, I guided students through experiments, learned scientific concepts, and helped them enact projects which tackled certain scientific phenomena. I am currently in the UC Davis teaching credential program, and I am placed in a biology classroom.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you’d share with others?
Always giving benefit of the doubt is a mantra that I have found incredibly helpful as a teacher. When a student isn't having their best day and acting out as a result, it is vital that I give the student grace and acknowledge that I may not know what they are experiencing but I can provide them with a safe environment, nonetheless. We may all have the desire to be the exciting teacher that sparks a love of science in every student, and although I have that desire, my goal every day is that students leave my classroom a little more at peace then when they entered. Carrying myself with humility and patience has allowed me to feel the benefits of being a teacher to all ages.

What's next for you?
I am currently placed in a high school biology classroom, and I still have firm roots in my past middle school science exposures. I would be very happy to have either a middle school science classroom of my own or a biology class in my near future. A dream class for me to teach would be Anatomy and Physiology as that was my absolute favorite class that I ever took. Outside of my professional life, my wife and I are expecting our first child in late December. I am incredibly excited for this next stage of life.

What is your favorite book/podcast right now?
East of Eden by John Steinbeck

What is the word that best describes you and why?
Curious. growing up I found the world fascinating and as an adult, I find people fascinating. I love to learn the life stories of those around me.

Do you have a hidden talent? Tell us about it!
I am adequate at Hacky Sack. I spent many lunches in highschool kicking a hacky sack between my friends.