Marita Beard

I teach Physics and AP Physics 2 at Leigh.  I have been teaching for 16 years, 14 years in the district.  I previously taught Physics and Earth Science at Branham from 2005-2012.  I am also the club advisor for WISTEM (We are Inspired by STEM) and Defensive-Leigh clubs on campus.

 

I earned my B.S. in Physics from Cal Poly SLO and my teaching credential from SJSU.  Prior to teaching I worked as an assistance scientist in Astrophysics research as a contractor at NASA Ames Research Center and then in Education and Public Outreach developing science curriculum through the SETI Institute.

 

I was one of the first 6 teachers in the country to fly on SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy).  I have since gone on several research missions with the SOFIA project.  It was an amazing opportunity to be present when astronomers obtained the latest and most detailed images of the blackhole at the center of our galaxy.

 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids.  We enjoy watching sci-fi flicks and going on road trips.