Hello!
My name is Jen Siler and I am a former secondary science teacher who wants to help YOU be less stressed and have fun in the classroom.
I have been married to my amazing husband, Rick, for 25 years and we have three beautiful children! Alaina is a Grad student at the University of North Texas, Jake is 22 and Nick is a freshman and UNT. They keep me busy but I wouldn’t have it any other way! It feels like it was just yesterday that I was reading bedtime stories and filling sippy cups!
My qualifications
I am highly qualified in Life and Physical Sciences. I have a Bachelors degree is Biology and a Bachelors Degree in adolescent education. I’m currently licensed in the state of Ohio and Texas to teach both Life and Physical sciences. In my 11 years as a classroom teacher I have taught Biology, General Physical Science, Chemistry, Honors Chemistry and Chemistry 2. What’s my favorite? I can’t really say. It tends to be whatever I am currently teaching. Although, when I’m not teaching Chemistry I really miss it! Over the last several years I have been S-L-O-W-L-Y working on a dual Masters program. I just have to finish my final project and I will earn my masters in Biology and Curriculum and Instruction. Now that I’m not teaching, I plan on this to happen soon!
update: 2017 – Master’s of Education and Science done! woohoo!
Why I left teaching
My husband is the primary earner in our household. It was looking like his job was going to move him to California. Going from Ohio to California with an entire household and three children is no small feat. My family needed me. So my job became selling a house and figuring out all the ins and outs of a cross country move. However, before the move, my husband lost his job…I know, best laid plans, right? Thankfully he got a new one pretty quickly but it was in Texas. I had never even stepped foot in Texas! OK, new adventure. Have you ever tried to buy a house across the country? I know lot of people do it, but man it’s to easy. Thankfully, us teachers tend to be extra organized and efficient!
Update: Settled in Texas! The kids are in school, the youngest transitioned into college and is doing well. I am so ready to get back into the classroom! I miss how dynamic it is. I miss working with other teachers and just the energy that kids give me. Stay tuned…
What comes next?
Since leaving teaching, I decided to start this blog. I have learned so much in the last month that I’m pretty sure my head is bigger! I am writing about school and science which is helping me deal with the loss of teaching and get back to doing what I love. I opened a Teachers Pay Teachers store and plan on sharing all my best lessons, presentations, worksheets and labs. I am just filled with excitement over the possibilities!
What this website is about
I have a mission. I want to help make the lives of teachers easier. There is so much on your plates, no time and a sad lack of support. Just look at the number of teachers that leave the profession every year! Even if you still love it and never even think about leaving, there is no question that you are busier today than you were 5 years ago. National and state changes alone made sure of that. I want to be a support to teachers that need it. I am going to give you the ideas, tools and inspiration you need to create an amazing learning environment while still being able to enjoy life!
P.S. Yup! That’s me with Mr. Ron Clark!! He is just as amazing in person as he is on TV!
