By ETHAN CHEUNG
Meet Ms. Alexis Vandergoot, a new science teacher in the Jericho community who has taken over the science research program. With over 18 years of experience, Ms. Vandergoot has made a big difference in her students’ lives by being caring and encouraging while keeping her lessons fun and organized.
When she was younger, Ms. Vandergoot had some health issues which made her want to become a doctor. She studied biology and chemistry at SUNY Geneseo in preparation for medical school, but after a friend suggested she try teaching, Ms. Vandergoot took an education course at Stony Brook University. She said, “As I was studying and working with groups, one of my friends said, ‘You know you’d be a really great doctor, but you’re great at explaining things. I think you should think about being a teacher,’ and my first reaction was absolutely no way!”
However, she found her passion for education and went on to earn a Master’s in Arts and Teaching, starting her exciting career as a science educator.
Ms. Vandergoot believes it’s important to connect with her students. She creates a structured classroom where students can also help decide what they learn. Senior Sua C. said, “She is very on top of everything and she knows how to keep us organized.”
In the research room Ms. Vandergoot conferences with a student on her science assignment.
With her dual certification, Ms. Vandergoot has taught many subjects including Living Environment and AP courses, but no matter what the course she focuses on student projects and teamwork.
Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Kim Libertini appreciates Ms. Vandergoot’s varied scientific background. She said, “Ms. Vandergoot is very well-versed in multiple science disciplines. She has backgrounds in AP Biology and AP Chemistry, so she brings to the table rich experiences that will help our students elevate their projects from different perspectives.”
Outside of school, Ms. Vandergoot enjoys doing nail art, watching beauty tutorials, and reading books about science history. Two of her favorites books are “American Prometheus” and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” She is a busy mom with three kids–an 11-year-old daughter who plays competitive soccer and 7-year-old twins who also love the game. Ms. Vandergoot says that her home is filled with the energy of two friendly dogs, a cat who thinks it’s a dog, and three active children.
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