Fighting feelings of isolation and challenges with assimilation made for a hard road in the beginning. WE had to learn to use constructive dialogue to resolve differences and helped each other navigate life in a new environment. We had to rely on each other even when things got tough. Both my husband and I had just moved to Phoenix, he from Boston and I from India. But I think the hardest part was a lack of support system. Adding to it was dealing with sometimes insensitive and hurtful questions that seemed to suggest that we were less than others. The use of language and vocabulary is different from where I grew up and although I spoke good English, it seemed different than American English. The earliest days were filled with dread as I tried to understand nuances of my new adopted country. The biggest challenge has to been to work on assimilating into the American culture. Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome? I have found my passion in igniting young minds love for science. In 2016 I was named one of the three finalists for the state of AZ for the Presidential Award For Excellence Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and in 2017 I was named one of the 5 recipients for the Yager Award for Exemplary Teaching that is awarded by the National Science Teaching Association. I moved to my current school in 2013 and the experience and collaborations here have been pivotal in my development as teacher.
I view my role as creating experiences that combine content, with good science practices so students feel inspired to follow careers in science. During this time, I honed my love for science instruction and along the way picked up skills in coaching robotics and most importantly inculcating a love for science and technology in my students. I consciously chose to pursue a second master’s in middle school math and science that was offered by ASU so that I can develop content expertise as well as deepen my understanding of good research-based science instructional practices. So, I made it my mission to improve my pedagogical practices in science. I was however frustrated by the lack of resources and the lack of emphasis on good science.
After completing my elementary certification, I started my teaching career as a 4th Grade teacher with the Chandler Unified School District in 2007 and quickly realized that I have a real passion for science. After spending a few years raising my two boys, I decided to change careers and embarked on my journey to become a teacher.
My husband, Bala was working as a mechanical engineer for Intel and we started our life together in Ahwatukee. It’s one of the few degrees that was recognized here so I could find a job as a counselor after I got my green card. I graduated with a Degree from a premier social work institution in Mumbai called Tata Institute of Social Work. My story begins in Mumbai where I lived for the first 22 years of my life. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there. Thanks for sharing your story with us Deepa. Today we’d like to introduce you to Deepa Iyer.
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