Science is a lot more than formulas, organisms and experiments in Kassie Kaiser’s classroom.
Her Harris Middle School eighth graders immerse themselves in every lesson. They touch, taste and smell science with every example and lab experiment.
“Science has always been a love of mine ever since I was a little kid. I had a rock collection and a telescope and just loved science for as long as I can remember so it’s been a great fit for me here.”
Kaiser grew up loving science and now she’s sharing her passion at North East ISD. Before teaching at Harris, she taught and coached volleyball, basketball and track at Krueger Middle School. That’s where Kaiser says she learned the value of building relationships with her students in and out of the classroom.
“Building rapport with the kids so they know that I’m going to be understanding if they just have a conversation with me is everything,” said Kaiser. “Without good rapport, the kids are less likely to do what you’re asking them to do. Especially when they’re trying new things outside their comfort zone.”
Open communication and strong relationships don’t stop with Kaiser and her students. It extends to her peers. Kaiser is the first to tell you she leans on fellow eighth grade science teacher Shirley Lebron every day. While they each have their own classrooms, they operate as a team.
“We touch base every single day. We talk about what worked and what didn’t so we can evaluate and update our lessons to fit our students better. She and I came to Harris together, so it’s just easy with her. We have that open line of communication.”
Teachers like Kaiser and Lebron make it easy to embrace science whether you’re passionate about the subject or not. When you’re in classrooms like this, it’s easy for kids to be themselves.
