Joanne Goelzer

Northwood, NH | 7-12, Science, 2023

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I tell my students that if they walk into my room with one view of the universe and leave with something new, we have had a good day together. My greatest motivation is seeing the looks of excitement on my students’ faces as they have a moment of understanding, ask deep questions, overcome challenges, and leave the classroom excitedly discussing their new views with teach other. These moments reaffirm the importance of STEM education, students do want to learn, and that their futures are bright.

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

The importance of analyzing trends in data through the use of graphs is always emphasized. One of my most transformative experiences occurred when I collaborated with forest researchers in New Hampshire and teachers of the blind and visually impaired in South Carolina. Our task was to produce lessons and activities making climate data accessible for students with vision impairments. The activities included sonification and scaled tactile models of six decades of data. These activities were used at the 2023 Summer Teen Program for students who are blind or have low vision. I was able to work remotely with the camp participants and it was truly amazing to experience the depth of understanding of the data and the creativity of the students.

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

I remain an advocate for and will use my Presidential Awardee platform to promote authentic STEM experiences and curricula. I plan to use my platform as a Presidential Awardee to bring quality STEM professional development opportunities to educators in New Hampshire. I am also currently working with the New Hampshire Department of Education to forge partnerships between STEM educators and English as a Second Language educators. My future plans include submitting articles to educational journals

Biography

Joanne Goelzer began her career in 1989 at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy where she continues teaching 36 years later. Teaching Core Science, Introduction to Physical Science, and Freshman Science Honors, Joanne incorporates topics in the Earth and space sciences, chemistry, and physics. Her curricula are designed to connect concepts common to these three science disciplines. A supporter of authentic and hands-on science experiences, she received a 2019 Toshiba America STEM grant to monitor tree pulses and has had her application and proposal to receive an Artemis I Moon Tree accepted by NASA. Joanne’s students collaborated with forest researchers in piloting climate change curriculum during the 2023-2024 school year. She has been a VEX robotics coach and has incorporated XRP robotics in her classroom. Serving in leadership roles, such as the President of the New Hampshire Science Teachers’ Association, various state committees, and as a science assessment panelist and facilitator, Joanne has worked with science educators from across the nation. She has worked with forest researchers in New Hampshire and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind to develop methods and lessons making climate change data accessible to the visually impaired. Currently, Joanne collaborates with a state initiative connecting science educators with English language educators to better serve the needs of English language learners. Joanne earned her B.A. in Earth science education and M.Ed. in educational studies from the University of New Hampshire. She holds a certification in Earth science education.

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.