Andrea Schmuttermair
Summary
Two-time NOAA Teacher at Sea and Fulbright Distinguished Award recipient with 20+ years in marine science and STEM education across formal and informal settings, from K–12 classrooms to international programs, teaching learners ages 6–100. Founder of Project ROVe, a marine robotics training program, integrating ROV technology, coding, ocean instrumentation, and scientific research into project-based learning. SSI Rescue Diver, CPR, and First Aid certified, leading educational groups confidently and safely in dynamic environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Educator
Summit Capital, LLC
Littleton, Colorado
09.2025 - 08.2026
- Developed personalized, interdisciplinary inquiry- and STEM-based curriculum for 8th-grade student, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes.
- Tailored curriculum and assessments to align with student strengths and challenges, fostering individualized learning experiences.
- Directed an integrated marine science course, incorporating marine ecology, scuba certification, ROV design and construction, and fieldwork.
- Guided project-based inquiry to design an automated plant-watering system using Micro:bit coding.
ROV Education Coordinator
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Remote
07.2022 - 06.2025
- Founded Project ROVE, training over 100 K-12 and postsecondary educators nationwide in underwater ROV piloting and teaching techniques, impacting over 2,000 students.
- Designed and delivered courses and hands-on workshops in underwater robotics for 150+ educators, integrating microcontrollers and engineering design principles.
- Field-tested and advised on development of fifth edition OpenCTD manual, evaluating construction, deployment, and calibration processes to improve instructional usability.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Alumni Association Fellow
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Remote
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitated ongoing alumni communication and professional development initiatives, enhancing educator growth for 850+ educators in Teacher at Sea Alumni Association (TASAA).
- Conducted audit of 300+ educational resources, organizing and revising materials to increase accessibility for NOAA and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
- Advised on website structure, identifying opportunities to improve resource quality and broaden program reach for NOAA Education and TASAA.
Curriculum Developer (contract)
Ocean First Education
Remote
09.2015 - 12.2021
- Developed NGSS-aligned K–8 marine science curriculum for NOAA Education, producing classroom-ready educator guides and student learning materials for educators nationwide.
- Designed immersive, technology-enhanced marine science learning experiences using 360° video in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, connecting students virtually with National Marine Sanctuaries and authentic ocean environments.
Middle School Cohort Leader
VERSO International School
Bangkok, Thailand
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Crafted interdisciplinary project-based STEM programs addressing real-world issues for diverse middle school populations.
- Led strategic planning for design thinking, project-based learning, and student well-being initiatives.
- Directed initiatives to promote equitable practices, ensuring support for all students in the school community.
- Co-wrote inclusive school policies, advancing equity, well-being, and child safeguarding within the school environment.
- Established partnerships with local and international organizations, enhancing student learning opportunities and fostering community engagement.
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Munich International School
Starnberg, Germany
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Led collaborative instructional planning and supported colleagues in implementing concept-based mathematics instruction, strengthening instructional quality and student understanding.
- Designed and delivered inquiry-driven IB Primary Years Programme learning experiences for international students, fostering student-led investigation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary connections.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with international curriculum standards.
Primary Math/Science Department Head and Teacher
International School Campus
Pinneberg, Germany
07.2017 - 07.2018
- Developed primary math and science curriculum aligned to international standards, improving bilingual language proficiency among elementary students.
- Aligned primary mathematics and science curriculum for 100 students in grades one through six, enhancing bilingual learning in international settings.
- Developed and implemented student-centered STEM classes for 50 students, including a collaborative dual-language underwater robotics course with GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research.
Grade 4-6 Teacher; Science Specialist
Colorado STEM Academy
Westminster, CO
07.2013 - 06.2017
- Designed and delivered interdisciplinary NGSS-aligned STEM investigations integrating science, engineering, and design thinking.
- Cultivated partnerships with over five local organizations to expand experiential STEM opportunities for elementary students.
- Mentored elementary science teachers while coordinating school and district science fairs, fostering community engagement in science education.
Education
Master of Arts - Education & Human Development; Concentration in Ed
The George Washington University
Washington, DC12-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education; Minor in German
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA05-2004
Some College (No Degree) - Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching scholar
University of Eastern Finland
Joensuu, FinlandSkills
- Instructional design expertise
- Project-based and STEM instructional design
- Marine science and technology education, including ROVs (SeaPerch/MATE), sensors, and microcontrollers
- Curriculum alignment with standards
- Technology-enhanced teaching methods
- Assessment and evaluation
- Educator training programs
- Scientific fieldwork experience
- Teaching diverse learners
Certification
- SSI Diver Stress and Rescue SCUBA Certification
- React Right Certification: First Aid/CPR, AED & O2
- Snorkeling and SCUBA diving proficiency in varied environments
Timeline
Private Educator
Summit Capital, LLC
09.2025 - 08.2026
ROV Education Coordinator
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
07.2022 - 06.2025
NOAA Teacher at Sea Alumni Association Fellow
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
05.2021 - 06.2022
Middle School Cohort Leader
VERSO International School
07.2019 - 07.2020
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Munich International School
08.2018 - 07.2019
Primary Math/Science Department Head and Teacher
International School Campus
07.2017 - 07.2018
Curriculum Developer (contract)
Ocean First Education
09.2015 - 12.2021
Grade 4-6 Teacher; Science Specialist
Colorado STEM Academy
07.2013 - 06.2017
Master of Arts - Education & Human Development; Concentration in Ed
The George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education; Minor in German
University of San Diego
Some College (No Degree) - Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching scholar
University of Eastern Finland