In the Zone

I often thought it would be fun and rewarding to be a teacher (still do in fact).  I have fond memories of several teachers that have influenced in many ways who I am today.  Unfortunately, to be a teacher means to live a life much closer to poverty than we are currently living.  I think teachers are easily one of the most underpaid positions in society today.  I’m certain that there are others that have similiar thoughts as I do – they’d love to make a difference in the lives of children through teaching, but worry how they’ll support their own family with the salary of a teacher.

Well, I took a path that has taken me to Sandia National Laboratories as a computer research scientist / engineer.  While I love working with computers, writing new algorithms, solving hard problems, I still find myself with a very strong motiviation to spend time helping and/or working with children and youth.  I’ve been fortunate this year, as I’ve been able to spend an hour or so each week teaching science in my daughter’s first grade class.  Sandia has a science and technology outreach program, where I can take time out of my work day each week to do this – its great!

I’ve been teaching since the start of the school year last September.  I’m known as “Mr. Todd” to the class, and I come in for one hour each Wednesday morning to teach a fun lesson in science ;)  The lessons are typically premade lessons provided by the school district, I just simply follow the syllabus (makes it nice and easy).  I really enjoy working with the kids, and it seems they enjoy my coming as well.  Here’s a class picture I took last week.

First Grade - Teaching Science - 2008-2009