Teachers for STEM

The student ambassadors of the organization promote the Terrapin Teachers program and participate in community outreach programs. Ambassador opportunities include free travel to national UTeach conferences and annual workshops.

The 2016-2017 Executive Board

Neha Soni, President

Major: Mathematics

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Germantown, MD

I joined Terrapin Teachers because it directly aligns with my goal of teaching AP Calculus in Montgomery County, since that is the county I grew up in.  From a young age, I have always viewed teaching as a way for me to empower the youths in my community and Terrapin Teachers is helping me achieve my dream!  I intend to get my certification in teaching secondary education mathematics by pursuing a master's degree in the MCERT/IMCP program.

Daniel prettyman, Vice President

Major: Biology

Classification: Sophomore

Hometown: Laurel, MD

I joined Terrapin Teachers because I thought that the program would afford me the best opportunity to achieve my goal of being a teacher.  My goal is to become a high school biology teacher or possibly a college biology professor.  I want to use my platform as a teacher to help my students become intelligent and confident men and women.  Aside from teaching, I would also love to keep up with my personal training career.  

Tara Tanasovich, director of communications

Major: Mathematics

Classification: Sophomore

Hometown: Kensington, MD

I joined Terrapin Teachers because I thought TLPL 101, Step 1, would be a great opportunity to get a feel for teaching right from the start.  I stayed in the program because I think it has some of the best professors and most intriguing course curriculums this university has to offer.  My goal is to become a high school math teacher that inspires her students to look beyond questioning, "When am I going to use this in real life?"

Jennifer hill, director of communications

Major: Mathematics

Classification: 

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

I joined Terrapin Teachers because I wanted to be involved and meet new people.  My goal is to become a high school math teacher.  It has been my goal to become a teacher since the first grade, so I am really excited for what the future holds! 

Elias Gonzalez, Director of Marketing

Major: Computer Science

Classification:

Hometown: Wheaton, MD

I am currently a Computer Science major who intends to move on to the IMCP/MCERT program when I graduate.  I have always entertained the possibility of becoming a teacher, but I didn't think that would be an option for me since I was also extremely interested in Computer Science.  Thankfully, through Terrapin Teachers, I will be able to do both.  Hopefully, I will be the first of many Computer Science majors to join Terrapin Teachers, which will hopefully address the need for Computer Science educators.  If we can inspire students from all backgrounds to tackle Computer Science, I know our future innovations will make our wildest dreams possible. 

Will Tanzola, Director of Marketing

Major: Physics

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Mullica Hill, NJ

I joined Terrapin Teachers because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in teaching.  I saw the program as an extraordinary chance to get experience in the classroom as early as possible.  My goal is to become a high school physics teacher that inspires students to become interested in science in higher education and potentially as a career. 

Hana Yi, Secretary

Major: Middle School Math and Science: minor in Teaching English as a Second Language

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Burtonsville, MD

I joined Terrapin Teachers because I've always been interested in working with students, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to teach.  Through the Terrapin Teachers courses, I've learned and experienced the behind the scenes of lesson planning and conducting the lesson.

My goal is to become a teacher who has a positive influence on the lives of my future students.  I realized that the most memorable teachers were the ones that not only knew what they were teaching, but also cared for me.  A quote by John C. Maxwell summarizes my thoughts the best, "Student's don't care how much you know. Until they know how much you care."

Robert martin, treasurer

Major: Math Education and Chemistry

Classification: Junior

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

I joined Terrapin Teachers because ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to be a math teacher. When I came to UMD and saw what the Terrapin Teachers program was like, I knew that the program would be the best way for me to accomplish my goal of being a high school math teacher.

Contact information:  TerrapinTeachers@umd.edu