TeacherTalks With Kurtz
Welcome to “Teacher Talks” with Mr. Kurtz
As an award-winning (and now retired) high school science teacher with 35 years in public education, I've had the pleasure (or maybe the challenge!) of teaching over 3500 students the wonders of biology and science research.
But here's the twist – I've always wondered: where did all those students end up? And more importantly, did I have any impact on their lives?
Join me on a journey of discovery as I embark on the ultimate teacher challenge: tracking down my former students, who called me Kurtz, to uncover how their earlier education, including my own, influenced the trajectory of their lives. In each episode, I sit down with some of my former pupils, some of whom I haven't spoken to in 30 years, to get the answers we've all been waiting for.
But wait, there's more! "Teacher Talks" isn't just about satisfying my curiosity – it's also a resource for educators, parents, and current students alike. Together, we'll explore career choices and the myriad paths that lead young people to their life and career destinations.
So, whether you're a seasoned educator, a curious parent, or just someone wondering where your high school classmates ended up, tune in to "Teacher Talks" for a journey through education, nostalgia, and the unpredictable twists of life's journey.
Mr. Kurtz is inviting you to listen in.
TeacherTalks With Kurtz
From High School Uncertainty to Lab Success: Melissa’s Scientific Journey (SSHS)
Melissa, a 2007 graduate of Southside High School in Rockville Centre, now thrives as a staff scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado. Back in high school, she had little idea of what it took to become a scientist and found herself struggling with chemistry—a cornerstone of her current career. Melissa’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and the drive to turn dreams into reality, proving that determination can turn even the most challenging obstacles into steppingstones for success.