Ms. Erica Rueda

I was born in Bakersfield, California, but spent half of my childhood in Farmington, NM.  I believe in the power of extracurriculars and academics as I have played softball, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, and participated in science fairs, chess tournaments, and theater growing up. I married my partner after both playing tennis for Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM – where I majored in Zoology and minored in Geology. We now have two little boys who test the limits of physics every day and are such great role models of the growth mindset – I am constantly inspired by them. I spent two years after earning my BS researching the effects of wildfires on freshwater ecosystems. We moved out to the ol’ West and I found my real passion for science education.  I worked at Discovery Cube for nearly 7 years and decided I wanted to be in the classroom. I went on to study at National University to earn a Master’s Degree in Education and my single-subject teaching credential.

 

This is my fourth year at Samueli Academy, my third year as Biology Teacher. I also co-teach the ASB Program with the amazing Mrs. Somoza. I structure all of my courses around three common themes: an emphasis on social and emotional learning, the connection of content to real-world settings and problems, and the generation of enthusiasm for scientific inquiry. Every day I step onto a campus, my goal is to positively challenge, include, and inspire students in their thinking and learning.