SUSAN PRITCHARD, Ph.D.
CONTACT ME
MY PRIVILEGE AS A LIFE-LONG EDUCATOR
“ABOUT ME”
Having earned my National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Science, my professional credentials also include a Bachelor of Arts in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, a master’s degree in Administration Leadership from the California State University, Fullerton and my doctorate in Research and Higher Education from the Claremont Graduate School, now known as the Claremont Graduate University.
I loved the privilege of educating students for over four decades, most of these years enjoying great fun teaching in the La Habra City School District. Whether at Las Positas Elementary School or Washington Middle School, I enlisted parental/guardian to share their talents and career successes with my classes: If I learned of a student’s family member or friend worked in any STEM, Science Technology Egineering or Math careers, I invited them to share their passions with my pupils. From science to engineering, including Project Lead The Way, I was privileged to teach incredible courses to my amazing students. I enjoyed including a variety of teaching resources for my students, including their parents/guardians and family friends whenever possible.
Outside of my fulltime classroom teaching for La Habra City School District, I enjoyed teaching part-time both online for the University of San Diego and in-person for California State University, Fullerton. What a joy it was to work with college students working diligently to be our next generation of teachers!
My state-wide service included my work with two wonderful organizations. I was elected, statewide three times, and happily served on the board of the California Science Teachers Association for ten years. I served four years as the Middle School Director and six years in the president role, which included two years each as president-elect, president, and past-president. Simultaneously, as one of twelve appointed teacher members of the California Teachers Advisory Council (Cal TAC), I served as “the teacher voice of the classroom” from 2007 – 2011. I worked diligently under the guidance of the California Council on Science and Technology to enhance education with exciting and appropriate inclusion of technology.
I am the privileged to have received numerous awards including the Hughes Excellence in Science and Math Education, Project Tomorrow's Vision for Excellence Award, and was a Top-Ten semi-finalist for the NSTA Shell Outstanding Science Educator Award. I was honored as a Hero in the Classroom in Orange County, as well as the Register’s 100 Most Influential People in Orange County in 2015. A very special STEM Award topped it all.