Erin Flynn

Honolulu, HI | 7-12, Science, 2013

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Many years ago, I was a young college graduate with an interest in cancer research, and I landed my first "science" job in a lab at MIT. I was inspired by the many intelligent and dedicated scientists that I worked with, hailing from countries all over the world. Over the next 10 years, my career path shifted - I wanted to help prepare other young people for the rigors of scientific research, and I believed my greatest impact on the world would come from being an excellent educator.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

There has not been one major transformative moment, rather, many small moments. Affirmation comes in all different forms. There's the student who struggled in 9th grade Biology who I bumped into five years later and informed me that she became a Biology major, because of me. There are the students who claim to "hate" science coming into my class, who leave inspired and wanting the challenge of future AP classes in scientific fields. There are the students who just needed someone to support them in a time of need, who come to realize, as adults, how much that seemingly small gesture affected them. In the end, it's all about seeing each student for who they are, and believing in their potential for good.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a science teacher, I believe that it is so important to teach students strong data literacy. They need to be able to look at scientific results and interpret them appropriately, make informed decisions based on this information. This is something that I feel very passionate about, and I support any initiatives that further this agenda. If we can all learn to interpret data accurately, there would be far less ambiguity, and more common ground, between us as Americans.

Biography

Erin Flynn is a current eighth grade Science teacher at Punahou School, where she has been since 2019. Previously, she taught high school science at Sacred Hearts Academy for eleven years, leading ninth grade Biology and Advanced Placement Biology classes. Prior to that, she taught ninth grade Honors Biology and 10th grade Biology at Edmonds-Woodway High School in Edmonds, WA for one year. Erin’s courses focus on making science relevant and accessible to all students, which ignites interest and teaches important academic skills. Erin is the leader of a team of middle school teachers at Punahou School. Her leadership focuses on creating the best possible eighth grade experience for the group of 90-95 students she teaches. She also helps to create curriculum for the 8th grade science program, in a group with 3 other science educators, keeping the course relevant, up-to-date, and abreast of the changes we continue to see in the natural world. Erin was also a leader during her tenure at Sacred Hearts Academy. As the science department chairperson, Erin coordinated curriculum for grades 7-12 science. She was also a founding member of the Academy’s “Schools of the Future” initiative, which led to broad pedagogical changes and technology integration in all classes, from grades K-12. A stalwart supporter of modern education, Erin has presented at the Schools of the Future conference in Honolulu. She has supported her peers by offering professional development training sessions focusing on project-based learning and using technology in the classroom. Erin has a B.S. in biology from Bates College and a M.I.T. from the University of Washington. While in Washington, she was certified in secondary education, with additional certifications in biology and general science.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Megan Smith, U.S. Chief Technology Officer and Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. France A. Còrdova.
High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.