Camas High School (CHS) science teacher Jennifer Roberts has been teaching for 28 years. All 28 of those years have been spent within a CHS classroom, teaching various science classes ranging from biology to genetics to, most recently, AP Environmental Science.
Roberts has always had a passion for science, attributing the beginning of her interest to her dad’s position as a science teacher. Despite this, becoming a teacher herself had not always been the clear path for her.
“My parents actually both said to never become a science teacher,” Roberts said when asked if her parents influenced her to become a teacher like them. “They told me to avoid that profession.”
Roberts goes on to say that she was studying towards her PhD and becoming a research scientist when an impactful lecture, an unsupportive mentor, and a missed interview landed her a teaching job at the newly established CHS.
As Roberts grew up with the school, watching it turn from a small town high school into what it is today, she also found one of her favorite things about being a teacher: learning. To Roberts, a lifelong scientist, one of the most appealing aspects about teaching science is actually the ability for her students to teach her.
“Everyday is different,” Roberts said. “Kids ask questions and if there’s a question I can’t answer, I love it because then I get to learn something everyday too.”
However, in the summer months, Roberts takes her dedication to learning a step further by participating in research opportunities surrounding genetics and the environment.
When asked what inspires her to take these opportunities, Roberts replied, “I really like understanding how our world works, and how different instruments and research works.”
Not only do these research labs fuel her own love of all things science, Roberts also quotes these experiences as being a major help in the classroom. Roberts says she feels more comfortable and well-equipped to help students with labs, research, and projects due to her own experiences outside of the classroom.
According to Roberts, one of the most important and fulfilling parts of her job is increasing awareness of the kids she teaches.
“As a teacher you get to have such a big impact,” Roberts said. With 169 students this year, Roberts’ goal is to encourage those in her classes to think critically and rely on scientific facts to make decisions. “I think the biggest impact is seeing kids learn something and then change their perspective.”
