Title: High School Science Teacher - physics and aquatic science
Organization: Garland ISD
Previous Role: Zookeeper 2, Dallas Zoo

Angela never expected to be teaching. She began her career in animal care, working first at Lincoln Park Zoo, Miller Park Zoo, and Cameron Park Zoo, before landing as a Zookeeper 2 at Dallas Zoo. She is now teaching high school physics and aquatic science in Texas.

"Teaching is a second career that I never expected to have. My first career was in animal care. My integrative biology degree has helped prepare me for every step of the way. It helped get my foot in the door for my first zoo job at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and it helped me feel more prepared to develop labs and lessons in a science classroom."

Angela teaches juniors and seniors about physics, aquatic systems, and environments. She was initially hired to teach physics, her knowledge and background with animals helped open the door to teach Aquatic Science as well. She has developed her own curriculum that focuses heavily on conservation and how humans affect aquatic environments, both good and bad. She was able to get this job without a teaching degree by getting a teaching certificate in Texas using her scientific background.

She received a Master's degree in Biology at Miami University Oxford in 2022. She is using that degree to teach dual credit Biology at her high school.

"Even people who seem to have it all figured out still are working through things and finding themselves"

If you’re considering science education or want to know more about how to get into an animal care career, Angela is a great person to talk to. Contact Christina Swanson at alumnimentor@sib.illinois.edu if you would like to connect with Angela.