Marita Beard

 

I teach Physics and AP Physics 2 at Leigh.  I have been teaching for 21 years, 19 years in the district.  I previously taught Physics and Earth Science at Branham from 2005-2012.  My two favorite days of the year are the trebuchet pumpkin launches in the fall and the cardboard boat races in the spring.  I am also grateful that the two clubs I advise reflect a little bit about me.  Proud of my chamorro heritage ( I am from Guam) I get to connect with students of similar backgrounds as the advisor to the APISA (Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance).  I am equally proud as an astronomy enthusiast, to serve as the advisor of Leigh's Astronomy club as well.  I love supporting Leigh sports teams, and especially love my job working the scoreboard at all of the Leigh basketball home games.

 

I earned my B.S. in Physics from Cal Poly SLO and my teaching credential from SJSU.  Prior to teaching I worked as an assistant scientist in Astrophysics research 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 NASA's 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.  I find many ways to share my NASA experiences with my students.

 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids whether it is catching a sci-fi flick or taking a road trip to a national park.  I also enjoy cooking, hiking, and finding ways to connect our everyday life experiences to learning Physics.