Chasity Bolch

Conover, NC | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m motivated by collaborating with other passionate STEM educators. Sharing ideas and learning about innovative opportunities energizes my teaching and helps me bring fresh, meaningful experiences to my students. That collaboration fuels continuous growth and ensures I’m providing the best possible STEM education.

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

One of the most transformative moments was partnering with local businesses to develop STEM lessons that align with our middle school curriculum and give students real-world problem-solving experiences. Designing activities that utilize our maker space—like building prototypes or analyzing data—helped students see how STEM connects to their community and future careers. Watching their engagement and confidence grow affirmed the lasting impact of authentic, hands-on learning

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

As a Presidential Awardee, I hope to strengthen STEM in my community by mentoring new teachers, inspiring students through hands-on learning, and building local partnerships. Real change starts locally, and I aim to help students see themselves as problem-solvers and future leaders in STEM.

Biography

Chasity Bolch is currently Assistant Principal at Harry M. Arndt Middle School. Prior to this, she taught mathematics at Newton-Conover Middle School for five years and taught for nine years as a math and science teacher at River Bend Middle School. When Chasity was in the classroom, her first goal was always relationships. With relationships, engaging lessons, and a focus on appropriate instructional level, she was able to grow confidence in reluctant mathematics learners. She encouraged conceptual understanding in mathematics before gaining use of algorithms. This learning is gained by working through experiences or tasks collaboratively. Chasity coordinated an afterschool makerspace challenge program at her previous school that incorporates middle grades curriculum, technology, the makerspace, and problems or simulations from local businesses. She has also facilitated the STEM team, working with other teachers in hopes of growing the STEM culture and celebrating opportunities for collaboration and problem solving across all curricula. As an administrator, Mrs. Bolch focuses on STEM by partnering with local businesses and supporting classroom instruction. Chasity supports beginning teachers and candidates for National Board Certification. She has presented ideas on differentiation, teaming, makerspace, and literacy across curriculum at the middle level conference and science conference for the state. Chasity received her B.S. in education from Western Carolina University and her M.A. in middle grades education from Gardner-Webb University. She became a National Board Certified teacher in 2018. She is certified in middle grades mathematics and science. In 2024, Chasity added a graduate certificate in school administration from Appalachian State University.

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.