Penny Principle

 Background Information

My family moved to Tucson, Arizona in the 1970s and upon graduating high school I immediately started attending Pima Community College. After many fits and starts as well as numerous changes to my major, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from UCLA in 1999.  Following graduation I made the decision to return to Tucson to get my teaching credentials.

I started substitute teaching in 2000, received my teaching credentials in 2001, and began teaching middle school science later that same year.  In 2006 I became the Assistant School Leader for a local charter school; however, I kept my finger in the teaching pie by going back into the classroom to teach Algebra and Chemistry classes.  I also held the posts of site testing coordinator and curriculum coach. I am currently teaching science at Pantano High School, particpate in both the district assessment and curriculum teams, as well as spend time as a cognitive coach when and where needed.  Through the years, I have taught everything from Marine Biology to Genetics and from Earth Science to Chemistry with a little Algebra thrown in to keep things interesting.

I earned a Master of Education degree with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006, however, my love will always be for science and how to impart and inspire this same love for science and nature to my present and future students.