KELSEY JOHNSON
PHYSICAL SCIENCE TEACHER
George Washington High School
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania State University graduate with a BS in geosciences, Kelsey Johnson went on to earn a graduate degree in geological sciences from the University of Michigan. She participated in a number of research projects in atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and geology during her university career. As she pursued her interest in earth and physical sciences, she also realized that she was passionate about teaching. “I had the opportunity to teach university laboratory courses and found it deeply rewarding to help students expand their knowledge base, critical thinking skills, and confidence in themselves.” Kelsey earned her teaching certificate and masters in science education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009.

Kelsey has volunteered as a tutor and/or mentor with a number of different organizations, including being a Youth Helper at a summer camp and teaching karate, mentoring high risk youth at the Centre County Youth Service Bureau and assisting in teaching a field course at the University of Michigan’s Rocky Mountain Field Station. She was awarded the Donald and Mary Trail Scholarship and the Benjamin F. Howell, Jr. Award from the Pennsylvania State University Department of Geosciences and received the Lockheed Martin Scholarship from Penn State Women in Science and Engineering.