Middle School Ambassador Candidates

Please note: Laura Celik is running unopposed for Middle School Ambassador this year.

Laura Celik

Princeton, NJ
Years of experience: 10–15
Current grade levels taught: 7, 8

Teaching and Chemistry Interests

My degree is in Chemical Engineering, and I love teaching chemistry. I am the 7th and 8th grade science teacher at my school, and I truly enjoy working with middle school students. I am happy to be at a school where the 8th grade curriculum includes a significant amount of chemistry. I also teach energy and evolution to 8th grade, and physics, genetics, and waves to 7th grade. I organize "Science Buddies" events with the Kindergartner and 8th grade students, run an after school Chemistry Club, and am co-coach of our Science Bowl team.

Why I Want to Serve

AACT is a fantastic source of information for all chemistry educators, including middle school physical science teachers. I served as Middle School Ambassador from 2018 to 2019, and would like to continue in this role for one more year.

As Middle School Ambassador, I created two resources; one activity for International Year of the Periodic Table, and another project combining chemistry and technology. I wrote an article for Chemistry Solutions, and presented a workshop at the NJ Science Teacher Convention along with the AACT Regional Ambassador. I attended all of the AACT Governing Board meetings, and contributed my views as a middle school teacher.

I won the AACT Middle School Chemistry Teacher of the Year award in 2018. In 2017, I was a member of the AACT-PPG Chemistry of Color Content Writing Team. I created two chemistry activities designed for middle school students. I have also participated in the AACT Chemistry Teacher Programs at the Fall ACS National Meetings in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

I would like to continue serving AACT. With one year of experience to build upon, I believe I can contribute more valuable resources and ideas.