Meet Ellen Teags, returning to her "first love," teaching
After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oregon State University, Teags various roles at small businesses — from shipping logistics to data analysis to marketing and technical writing — before deciding to return to her “first love” to become a teacher.
The students' curiosity, goofiness, individuality, passion, intelligence, diversity, challenges, and potential are all what drive me to show up every day and do good work."
She enrolled in the MA plus teacher licensure program in the School of Education with a desire to improve STEM education and work with youth. Teags excellence as a student and educator shines through in her interactions with students, peers, mentors, and instructors. She was a student teacher at Meadowlark Middle School and is working as a science teacher at Fairview High School while finishing her Master’s requirements.
Teags received the highest possible evaluations from her mentors and supervisors across three intensive practicum placements while obtaining licensure. She has been named the 2022 Outstanding STEM Education and CU Teach Master’s Plus Teacher Licensure Program Graduate by faculty, and they commend her organized, detail-oriented approach and how she is always striving for improvement. She is deeply committed to teaching STEM for equity and justice and helps her students see themselves as knowers and doers of science.
“Ellen’s drive and determination is balanced by her sharp wit and quick sense of humor, which, according to her mentors and colleagues, has endeared her to her students,” said her nominators. “We are excited to observe and support Ellen’s continued leadership in her classroom, community, and the teaching profession.”
In her own words
Please tell us a bit about yourself
Originally from California, I lived in Colorado when I was younger before moving to Oregon. I came back to Colorado for my freshman year of college, which I did at CSU, before moving back to Oregon. My original plan was to get an English and Education degree but, for a variety of reasons, I switched to science and put my dreams of teaching on hold. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biology at Oregon State in 2012, taught science in Uganda for 2 months, and struggled to find a sense of home working in Oregon. I moved back to Colorado in 2014 where I met my husband and started my career. I've held various roles at small businesses, doing everything from shipping logistics to data analysis to marketing and technical writing. Eventually I decided to return to my first love and pursue a career change to become a teacher. I wanted to have a sense of purpose, do something tangible, and work with kids. CU was close and highly ranked for its education program, so it was an obvious choice for me. After deferring my acceptance a year, I started my MA + during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020. Although the pandemic was challenging, I'm so glad I deferred because it allowed me to meet my awesome cohort of fellow educators!”
What is one of the lessons from your time at that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?
I have learned that I am incredibly resilient, highly capable, and equipped with everything I need to keep learning, growing, and becoming the best version of myself. CU gave me great pedagogical foundations, an amazing shift in perspective in terms of social justice work, and some of my best friends.”
What does graduating from represent for you and/or your community?
For me it's the culmination of a decade of getting to know myself and figuring out what I want my legacy to be and where I want to put my energy. Ten years ago I graduated with my bachelors and without a sense of purpose. Now, I graduate with my masters, a career I'm excited for, and a strong sense of direction and meaning. I'm also carrying on the legacy of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins by joining the teaching ranks.”
What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?
If you let this program, this work, and this time transform you, it will. Lay down your ego, start with humility, and embrace the process.”
What continues to drive your passion for your work after graduation?
The students. Their curiosity, goofiness, individuality, passion, intelligence, diversity, challenges, and potential are all what drive me to show up every day and do good work.”