After 11 years of teaching for FCPS and six years at AHS, chemistry teacher Yaara Crane will become to being a STEAM Resource teacher for the Mount Vernon Pyramid.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The STEAM innovation in the Mount Vernon Pyramid aims to help teachers innovate new ideas on how to teach their students in ways that are more relevant to the skills and opportunities of the 21st century. It offers student-centered and inquiry-based instruction while exposing students to the STEAM curriculum and potential relating careers.

“STEAM is often considered the way of the future, and many of the best schools are moving away from standardized testing to project-based learning,” Crane said.

As a STEAM Resource teacher, Crane will be working with the teachers at the schools in the Mount Vernon pyramid (elementary, middle, and high school) to help them create innovative new approaches to teaching.

In the past, Crane has worked as a coach for novice 7-12th grade FCPS science teachers and enjoyed working with adults. She plans to pursue a degree in education leadership at George Mason University for May 2017. She accepted the professional opportunity to share her love of science and innovation with many more students and teachers than she would have otherwise.

“I chose to accept this opportunity because I want to be on the forefront of this change,””Crane said, “I want to help other teachers learn how to integrate this style of teaching into their classroom, and this is an avenue to use what I have learned from GMU.”

Crane has taught Chemistry and IB Chemistry at AHS for six years and made many memories and experiences throughout those years. “So much has happened it’s hard to pick my favorite memory! I will miss all of the teachers and staff who I have gotten to know so well over the years, particularly my amazing chemistry team,” Crane said.

Although she is trying to make this transition as smooth as possible, some students find it hard to say goodbye.

“I’ll miss her willingness to help others, she would always help my friends after school with IB chemistry and we could easily talk to her about anything, ” senior Micaela Valdivia said.

Crane also shares a bond with her W4 class. “AHS is full of so many spirited and dedicated students,” Crane said, “I will miss my W4 who I have known for 4 years and are so close to graduating.”

Moiz Ahmer from Crane’s W4 said: “She was always a nice person and she was always kind to us. I miss talking to her because she was real with us.”

Former FCPS chemistry teacher, Phuong Lue, has been hired and will be returning to replace Crane.

“I wish nothing but success for everyone in the future, and I truly treasured my last week,” Crane said.