By Tim Weymouth, Lower School Science Teacher
Change is good. I am embarking on a path that leads to both familiar ground and exciting unknowns. While in the Middle School division headship, I could not help but shake the notion that I wanted to return to the classroom—even better, the laboratory. As time progressed, I knew I had to get back in the “teaching groove”—it’s what I need, and what I hope the Tower Hill community needs too.
In my decades in independent schools, I have had the chance to work with students from ages 3-19. As the new Lower School science teacher, I will engage with a group of young scholars who I know can teach me many things—I just have to set them up for success. While some refer to this age group as “the littles,” I prefer to think of them as small people with big promise. Lower School students are beautifully and brutally honest, energized and primed for learning. Science affords opportunities to ask big questions, investigate together and share discoveries. With our youngest students, I can develop their curiosity and grow skills they will need as they continue at Tower Hill.
As adults, we know the detriments of sitting at a desk, pecking away at a computer. Working as a Lower School teacher gives me the chance to spontaneously head outside, where we can investigate Mother Nature in person. In the past, I led wilderness trips into the backcountry, well away from cities and their safety net. I know that the outdoors can help us—particularly our children—flourish. By connecting with nature, even when it is a little drizzly or cold, we can thrive.
Teachers work hard to make things accessible. In an elementary classroom, one has to be able to distill complex concepts into information that diverse young minds can handle. As a science teacher, I am motivated to engage the senses as well.
Luckily, I can—as Newton stated, “on the shoulders of giants.”
I have made sure we will continue some of the fabulous STEM work Nancy Tate originated. Nancy is a venerated veteran of Tower Hill who just retired after spending years developing curious young minds. With my experience working with science classes up through senior year, I know our foundation will be built on fun and meaningful science. I am ready to embrace all of these changes as the Lower Schoolers and I embark on our science journey.
