1. KAREN FAITH SCHMIDT
949 Brookside Way
Felton, CA 95018
Tel. 831-335-8049
Email: kfschmidt@comcast.net
OBJECTIVE:
To obtain a position teaching science at a middle or high school, with a focus on promoting literacy,
engineering, and Citizen Science through STEM or STEAM programs.
EDUCATION:
Clear Single Subject Teaching Credential, Science June 2012
University of California, Santa Cruz
Master of Arts, Education Aug 2009
University of California, Santa Cruz
Graduate Certificate, Science Communication June 1991
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry (Biology minor) Dec 1985
Graduation with Great Distinction
San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
CSET Subtests passed:
General Science I and II, Chemistry III, Earth and Planetary Science III, Biology/Life Science III
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HONORS:
Fulbright Fellowship, Journalism Bucharest, Romania 2000-2001
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TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Science Teacher grade 8 Nov 10 to present
Rolling Hills Middle School—Watsonville, CA
• Plan and assess learning for 170 students in an NGSS Integrated Science course
• Serve as Science Department Chair, leading transition to NGSS courses and standards
• Participate actively on district Science Steering Committee and on School Leadership Committee
• Collaborate with colleagues on planning appropriate Project-Based Learning for English Learners
• Design lessons incorporating technology tools, such as iPad apps, Digital Portfolios, Google Classroom
Teacher Mentor, Participant Summer 2014, 2015
Great American Biotic Interchange Research Experience for Teachers (GABIRET)
• Did field work with scientists in Panama in July 2014 and developed NGSS lessons using fossils
• Helped other teachers learn field paleontology and developed additional lessons in July 2015
• Contributed blogs and lessons plans to www.gabiret.com, as part of a Community of Practice
• Completed trainings on the use of 3D technologies in the classroom
Lead Teacher grades 7 and 8 Summer 2012
Girls In Engineering Summer Camp--UC Santa Cruz, CA
• Planned lessons on Lego NXT Robotics, Scratch programming, and STEM careers
• Organized daily schedule, guest speakers, field trips for 24 girls at two week-long sessions
• Recruited low-income English Learners for program and consulted with university on outreach

2. Science Teacher (substitute) grades 7 and 8 Aug 10 to Nov 10
Old Orchard School—Campbell, CA
• Planned and assessed learning for 22 advanced and 4 special needs students
• Participated in field trips, enrichment activities, and study hall
Science Teacher grades 6 and 7 Aug 09 to Jun 10
Willow Glen Middle School—San Jose, CA
• Planned and assessed learning for 65 diverse students in an Earth Science course
• Planned and assessed learning for 85 diverse students in a Life Science course
• Worked with science department to coordinate lessons and follow pacing calendar
Student Teacher grades 9-11 Oct 08 to Jun 09
Harbor High School—Santa Cruz, CA
• Planned and assessed learning for 32 diverse students in a Biology course
• Planned and assessed learning for 24 diverse students in a Chemistry course
• Incorporated literacy activities linking science lessons to societal issues
Instructor/Advisor young adults 2000-2002
Bucharest University—Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest Center for Independent Journalism
• Planned and taught courses on news and feature writing
• Mentored disadvantaged Rroma students
• Gave workshops and lectures on environmental journalism as a Senior Fulbright Scholar
Community Health Educator adults 1987-1989
U.S. Peace Corps--Sierra Leone, West Africa
• Designed and implemented training programs for health workers, teachers, and midwives
• Led health classes using the book, “Where There is No Doctor,” to educate literate villagers
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ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE:
Science Writer and Reporter 1991-2011
California, DC, North Carolina, and Romania
• Created teachers’ guides and lesson plans to introduce students to engineering for The Infinity Project.
• Produced podcasts on nanotechnology for The Exploratorium, and for the Woodrow Wilson
International Center for Scholars’ Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN.)
• Reported and wrote numerous magazine articles for U.S. News & World Report, Science, New
Scientist, National Wildlife, HHMI Bulletin, Science & Spirit and other publications and websites.
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OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
Spanish Language Studies Summer 2013
Spanish Institute of Puebla—Puebla, Mexico
• Completed 90 hours of Basic 4 Level Spanish Language instruction
• Studied Mexican culture, history, and customs, including the education system
• Lived with a Mexican family in a major metropolitan area
Active Member of National and California Science Teacher Associations 2009-2016
Volunteer Science Fair Judge 2008, 2014, 2015
Santa Cruz County, Pacific Collegiate Charter School
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PERSONAL INTERESTS:
Traveling, reading literature, gardening, hiking, restoring ecosystems, kayaking, vegetarian cooking