Shannon Morey

I want students to leave my class having an appreciation for the power of thinking scientifically and how it enables them to understand and change the world.  If you can ask questions, investigate solutions, and adapt to new situations, you can do anything.”

Shannon’s Story

Teaching Discipline

Physics and Chemistry

Why Science

“My parents inspired an interest in science in me from a very young age. We spent time bird watching, gardening, and exploring the natural world together. Early on, they instilled a love for discovery and exploration and a sense of wonder at our Earth. In high school, my chemistry teacher furthered my love for science and experimentation through his own obvious passion for the subject. I was taken by the idea that you could have a global impact by making new materials to solve major societal issues. In college, I had mentors that shared their unique perspectives and devotion to scientific exploration. Now I am able to share this love for the world around us with my students everyday. I love to see the excitement on their faces as they discover something for themselves.”

Professional Experience

During her undergraduate studies, Shannon served as Director of the Michigan State University (MSU) Science Theatre, a student-run outreach center. In this role, she organized and led interactive science demonstrations for Michigan students. MSU Science Theatre grew throughout Shannon’s leadership and she received the 2009 Michigan State University Student Leader of the Year Award for her efforts. She received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to support her graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

While at MIT, she developed and taught a 10-week science program for low-income middle school students. She also worked as a Graduate Community Fellow for Women’s Programs. In this role, she organized workshops and panel discussions for female graduate students. Before making the transition to teaching full-time, Shannon served as the Director of Education for Science from Scientists, an organization that offers our nation’s youth exciting, informative and engaging training provided by practicing scientists.

Her teaching career started at East Boston High School (EBHS), where she developed and taught the first AP Physics class EBHS had ever offered. She also raised over $150,000 in grant funds for EBHS, to support the AP program and mentoring programs. Shannon is also a co-founder and leadership team member for ComSciCon, a leading professional development organization that hosts national workshops on science communication skills for graduate students.

Additionally, she is also a co-founder and leadership team member for BiteScis, a ComSciCon spinoff devoted to creating lesson plans that integrate current scientific research with content standards.

She began her teaching career at East Boston High School in 2014 and moved to Abbott Lawrence Academy, a Lawrence public school, in fall 2017.

Hobbies

Shannon enjoys doing DIY home projects, knitting, crocheting, painting, cooking and traveling.

Academic Background

• Michigan State University (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry)
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Master of Science in Chemistry)
• Merrimack College (Master of Education, anticipated 2019)

Knowles Academy Courses Taught

Physics for the Next Generation: The Patterns Approach