Ms. Heather Hall
TEACHES:
HONORS BIOLOGY, AP BIOLOGY, AP RESEARCH
BLUE VALLEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Education
B.S. IN MICROBIOLOGY
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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PH.D. IN GENETICS & CELL BIOLOGY
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Going Above & Beyond
MS. HALL SPONSORS NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (11 YEARS), SCIENCE BOWL (10 YEARS), STUDENT TUTORING CLUB (8 YEARS), SCIENCE OLYMPIAD (7 YEARS), SOCIETY OF WOMEN IN ENGINEERING NEXT (2 YEARS), HOSA, BIOLOGY CLUB, AND STEM RESEARCH CLUB.
Life Outside of School
MS. HALL ENJOYS SPENDING TIME WITH HER FAMILY. SHE AND HER HUSBAND ARE BOTH SCIENCE TEACHERS, SO THEY ARE ALWAYS READY FOR A FUN SCIENCE ADVENTURE. SHE'S VERY INVOLVED IN GIRL SCOUTS AND HAS BEEN HER DAUGHTER'S TROOP LEADER FOR NINE YEARS. MS. HALL ALSO LOVES DISNEY AND SPENDS TIME WITH HER SON, WORKING TO PLAN THEIR NEXT FAMILY VACATION.
What is your teaching philosophy?
"A fundamental aspect of my teaching philosophy is the commitment to personal growth and continuous improvement. Just as I encourage my students to push themselves outside their comfort zones and strive for excellence every day, I believe it is essential for teachers to embrace a similar mindset. I am dedicated to challenging myself as a teacher, seeking out opportunities for growth, and trying new things as part of my teaching each year. I recognize that the field of education is constantly changing, and as such, I am committed to adapting my teaching practices to better meet the diverse needs of my students. By modeling a growth mindset and a willingness to learn alongside my students, I hope to inspire them to approach their own learning journeys with curiosity, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning."
What is your favorite part of being a teacher?
"I find great joy in watching students grow and exceed their own expectations.. I’m lucky enough to teach students at all levels, freshmen through seniors, allowing me to see their growth in knowledge, interests, and abilities. Being a part of this journey with students and helping them on this path makes me love my job."
What is the biggest challenge you face as a teacher?
"Student apathy is a tremendous challenge. Despite spending hours helping them learn, some days, students may not be fully engaged or prepared, which can be frustrating. It's important not to assume that struggling students lack the desire to learn. Every student is going through their own unique struggles, making teacher empathy and understanding crucial for fostering a safe and respectful classroom environment where every student has the chance to learn."