Jennifer Trochez

Los Angeles, CA | K-6, Science, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

As a teacher, I want to spark curiosity and build my students' confidence in science and math; subjects that many often find intimidating. It is important for elementary students to be creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers so they have the skills needed to pursue a meaningful career in a STEM field. Working with other teachers to develop their skills and confidence to provide meaningful STEM curriculum to their students also motivates me to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching.

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

My most transformative work happens when I lead professional development and train elementary teachers to integrate STEM activities into their curriculum. Unlike secondary teachers who specialize in one subject matter, elementary teachers are trained to teach all content areas. On occasion, I have worked with teachers who may have some science hesitancy or avoidance. Building a teacher's STEM capacity so they are motivated to take their learning back to their students is the most rewarding. Developing my students' STEM identities motivates me to be the best teacher I can be, but when I can help another teacher do the same and helped them develop their STEM educator identity, it is very fulfilling and affirms my impact on STEM education.

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

This award validates the work I have done so far to promote the importance of elementary students having access to a quality STEM education. With this in mind, I will continue to seek opportunities to lead professional development on the local and national level to help other teachers cultivate a STEM mindset in our young learners. I will also continue to advocate the importance of STEM as a means to develop leaders in our society; work that will help grow future-ready citizens of our country.

Biography

Jennifer Trochez has been an educator for 28 years. She is currently a third grade teacher at Gates Street Elementary School where she has been for the past 13 years. Before Gates Elementary, she worked at Foshay Learning Center for 13 years and taught mathematics and science at Barack Obama Global Prep Academy for two years. Jennifer integrates a variety of content areas into her science instruction to engage her students, help them make connections to the world around them, and foster their curiosity and creativity. She works to develop community in her classroom and nurture her students’ STEM identities by instilling a growth mindset and building student agency. Jennifer has also played a role in engaging her school's families in STEM nights to help parents support their students love for STEM. Her dream is to work with school and community partners to help build a STEAM ecosystem around her school that will support students' interest in pursuing careers in STEM. Jennifer is a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) 2018 Teacher of the Year and served on the LAUSD Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Committee in 2018-2020. She also serves on The National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project Teacher Advisory Board. Jennifer has led workshops and training for her school district, the NEED Project, UCLA Center X Science Project, and the UCLA California NanoSystems Institute. She has also presented at NSTA Area and National Conferences. Jennifer earned a B.A. in biology and psychology from Occidental College and an M.S. in science education from the University of Southern California. Jennifer is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist. She earned a STEAM micro-credential through LAUSD and is a certified National Geographic Educator.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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