Hey there!

I'm Miss M., but you can call me Marijo. (It's a weird spelling of Mary Joe, nobody ever knows how to say it.) Unlike most teachers, I didn't always know that's what I wanted to do. Originally, I majored in biology and minored in chemistry. Then a few years later, I went back for my master's in education.

I've been teaching for 10 years now, and in that time I've taught a little bit of everything. And I do mean everything. I have been a classroom teacher for a bit of that time (biology, middle school science, and physical science). But mostly I've worked a number of non-traditional education jobs and in informal education. I used to work at a science museum (I'm only there very rarely now) and did a different afterschool program. I spent years working at a learning center where I taught everything: reading and math skill building programs, exam prep, tutoring in algebra, geometry, science, bio and chem, and test prep. While there, I really learned a lot meeting with my students and parents to discuss their progress and how school was going. During that time, I taught all ages, from pre-k to adults.

I spent years doing an afterschool program. It was all STEAM all the time, and I freaking loved it. Nothing is better than seeing the kids learning and exploring and the friendships they formed. I am a firm believer in learning by doing; hands on experience is so incredibly valuable for our students. Currently, I am a course developer. So far (I only just started this new job) I am loving this new challenge and all the fun new things I am learning creating the courses.

But what I love most of all is all things science/STEM/STEAM and middle school. If that's your jam too, then you are in the right place!
I am here to help you implement STEAM in your classroom so that you students have engaging, hands on learning experiences that build their math and science skills.


Outside of work, I'm a crazy cat mom to 3 insane kitties, lover all things caffeine, and aunt to the three loudest and craziest nephews whom I love more than anything. Sarcasm is my main form of communication (like to the point where I pretty much only speak in sarcasm it seems). When I'm not working, I'm probably chilling with a cat in my lap either reading or playing a game. (Or napping. I'm probably napping.)