Crystal McDowell

A Teach in the Peach Ambassador

  • School District: Columbia County
  • Grade Level: High School, 9-12
  • Content: Science (AP Biology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Human Anatomy and Physiology, AP with WE Service-Public Health
  • Position: Secondary Science Educator
  • RESA Region: CSRA
  • Number of years teaching: 18

I became an educator to be a change agent for STEM education but I fell in love with teaching because of my students. Grants, community partnerships, professional organizations, and fellowships enabled me to provide my students incredible learning experiences in the life sciences, connecting classroom to careers and community.

Balance is key … prioritizing work/life balance, building relationships but holding students accountable, utilizing a variety of evidence-based instructional strategies, and establishing reasonable goals that challenge you and your students.
Lean on the community of educators around you and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Veteran teachers are still learning, so give yourself grace that it is okay to not know everything.
Learning alongside my students ignites a spark in me that I cannot begin to describe. Learning with them is my “sweet spot” and as long as I continue to make a difference in their lives, I cannot imagine doing anything else.
My situation is a bit unique because I have had the opportunity to teach in multiple settings. I started in rural NC, continued in suburban MO and consulted for urban in St. Louis, and in Ga have taught in rural and rural fringe. I would encourage educators to gain experience in multiple school settings.
Teachers of all ages still need mentors. Build your teacher network that cultivates a growth mindset. Seek opportunities to learn because it rejuvenates the creative part of teaching and enriches you so you are inspired to create new learning opportunities for your students.
Teachers of all ages still need mentors. Build your teacher network that cultivates a growth mindset. Seek opportunities to learn because it rejuvenates the creative part of teaching and enriches you so you are inspired to create new learning opportunities for your students.
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2,026 students commit to teaching profession at second annual Teach in the Peach Statewide Educator Signing Day

Signing Day