Joining the Kingswood Oxford community this fall is Middle School science teacher and advisor Allison Tucker.
Ms. Tucker is from Connecticut, attended college at Mount Holyoke, and taught at Williston Northampton for five years. She grew up just down the road from KO.
Women in science have always inspired Ms. Tucker, so she wanted to show the new generation the impact they had on her. “I was encouraged from a very young age to pursue science and see women in science,” Ms. Tucker said. “I always saw it as an opportunity to do more.”
Not only did she have wonderful people encouraging her, but she also always had a natural love for nature. “I’ve always been drawn to the environment outside, and just seeing how things work,” she explained. “It was a passion of mine. I also love just being outdoors. There’s so much of that in my background in environmental science. I just love learning about the world around me.”
When deciding what age group to work with, Ms. Tucker was quickly drawn to middle school. “I love middle school,” Ms. Tucker stated. “I think there’s an incredible energy with middle schoolers. They’re really excited to learn, hang out with their friends, and play at recess. I think combining those things has really drawn me towards this population. I started teaching five years ago in middle school, and I haven’t stopped since.”
Ms. Tucker is excited to work with all ages in the KO middle school. “I advise sixth grade, teach seventh and eighth grade, so I really see everybody,” she mentioned. “That made it really, really exciting. I feel like I’m getting to know the whole middle school population.”
Not only is she getting to know all the students, but she’s bonding with the faculty as well. “The school year has been great so far,” Ms. Tucker said. “Everyone’s been incredibly supportive and welcoming. It feels amazing.”
So far, the challenges this year have been minimal. “I think I’m getting used to KO culture and KO systems, but, for the most part, it’s really been great,” she reflected. “I think the biggest challenge, and I’m with advisees on this, was knowing where everything is.”
Ms. Tucker’s passion for science isn’t just about her; it’s about helping others find their passion. “I am really passionate about science,” Ms. Tucker stated. “I love seeing students be open and excel in science. I think sometimes there’s a stereotype around science that it’s too hard. Sure, there’s a lot of hard things about it, but it is so fascinating. There’s so many doors and so many facets to this subject that I think could pique everybody’s interests. I got very passionate about science, and specifically about teaching science.”
Ms. Tucker is excited to incorporate the KO campus into her teaching. “I had a lot of local science knowledge from where I was previously,” she said. “I really utilized the campus I was on and the environment that I was in at my old school. I want to do that at KO. I want to utilize the space, the campus, and the natural resources the area has to offer.”
KO is very excited about Ms. Tucker’s dedication to teaching science, and her addition to the science department.
