Khrista Williams
San Francisco,CA
Summary
A committed and innovative educator with extensive experience in STEAM education, I leverage my scientific background to foster an engaging, hands-on learning environment. My focus on eliminating systemic inequities in education through project-based, interdisciplinary learning aligns with my passion for empowering students to think critically and creatively. I aim to inspire lifelong curiosity in science while addressing real-world problems and integrating social justice, community, and environmental sustainability.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
IB Chemistry Instructor
International High School
San Francisco, CA
08.2025 - Current
- Teach IB Diploma Programme Chemistry (SL and HL) following the IB curriculum framework
- Design and implement inquiry-based laboratory investigations aligned with IB assessment criteria
- Guide students through Internal Assessment projects and Extended Essay supervision in Chemistry
- Integrate interdisciplinary approaches connecting chemistry to real-world global issues
Chemistry Instructor
Castilleja School
Palo Alto, CA
07.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed and implemented engaging, student-centered chemistry lessons with a focus on experimental and hands-on learning
- Led interdisciplinary STEAM curriculum development, integrating diverse subjects and real-world problem-solving activities
- Managed chemical safety protocols and coordinated lab activities with safety compliance
- Managed operations and activities of BLAST club
- Organized advisory sessions fostering smooth transitions into academic environments
STEM Curriculum Designer/Instructor of Science & Chemical Tech.
Drew School
San Francisco, CA
08.2019 - 07.2024
- Created and taught STEAM-focused curriculum across disciplines, enhancing students' understanding of science through real-world application and social justice
- Developed and taught STEAM summer courses, fostering creativity and scientific inquiry
- Redesigned chemistry curriculum for distance learning, ensuring continuous engagement and learning during the pandemic
- Trained faculty on chemical waste management and laboratory safety
- Led advisory groups and facilitated senior project curriculums for graduating students
Instructor of Science, Chemistry & Physics
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
San Francisco, CA
08.2016 - 08.2019
- Developed and delivered chemistry and physics lessons focused on the inquiry teaching methods
- Oversaw chemical room and chemical inventory to ensure compliance with safety standards
- Coordinated lab safety and managed classroom resources
- Fostered a hands-on learning environment, using experiments and group activities to enhance student engagement
STEM Director/Science Instructor
St. John School
San Francisco, CA
06.2009 - 08.2016
- Established and managed the K-8 Science Department, ensuring quality STEM instruction from elementary through middle school
- Developed and mentored K-8 STEM curriculum, providing professional development for teachers
- Procured and managed resources for the department, including science equipment and materials
- Organized and led annual Earth and Life Science projects, integrating environmental education
Private Math and Science Instructor
St. Paul School
San Francisco, CA
09.2007 - 06.2009
- Provided individualized tutoring and academic support to students in math and science subjects
- Developed customized practice exams and learning materials, supporting students in test preparation
Volunteer Teacher
Washington Charter School
Palm Desert, CA
08.2005 - 06.2007
- Taught Mathematics and Science, promoting differentiated teaching to support multi-leveled students
- Created hands-on student-centered activities for science and mathematics
Science Instructor
La Quinta High School
La Quinta, CA
08.1999 - 06.2001
- Taught Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, incorporating lab experiments and inquiry-based methods
- Fostered student problem-solving skills and applied real-world scientific concepts
Education
Master of Education - STEAM Education
University of San Diego
05.2019
Master of Science - Geology (One Class Pending)
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Geology
San Diego State University
12.1996
California Teaching Credential -
Chapman University
Skills
- STEM Education
- Program Development
- Lab Management
- OSHA Chemical Safety
- Impact reporting
- STEAM Integration
- Curriculum Design
- Project-Based Learning
- Grant Writing
- Pedagogical Strategies
- Mentoring
- Instructional Leadership
- IB Diploma Programme Chemistry
Websites
Accomplishments
- NOAA Ocean Guardian Grant, $30,000, St. John School, 01/2012 - 01/2014
- Naturebridge Grant, $24,000, St. John School, 01/2012 - 01/2016
- Aspen Institute Cohort Finalist
- Senior Author, Journal of Geology of the Western Cordillera: 'Perspectives from Undergraduate Research, Elemental Mass Change in Middle Jurassic Contact Metamorphic Aureole'
- Participant, Sustainability Program at the California Academy of Sciences
Volunteer Experience
- Women's Golf Coach, Drew School, 01/2023 - 01/2024
- Cross Country & Track Coach, Drew School, 01/2021 - 01/2022
- Rowing Regatta, St. Ignatius College Prep, 01/2014 - 01/2018
- Basketball Coach, St. John's, 01/2011 - 01/2017
Professional Development
- NGSS Conference - California Science Education, 01/2024, Attended Chemistry workshops for High School/College Level Curriculum Design
- Master of Science in Geology (One Class Pending), San Francisco State University, 05/2017
- NGSS Conference – California Science Education, 01/2017, Attended workshops in Environmental Chemistry and Cross-Curricular Curriculum Development
- Green School Conference on Sustainability, Sacramento, CA, 01/2014
- Biotech Course: Field Monitoring & Water, Soil & Air Quality Testing, City College of San Francisco, 01/2012
Timeline
IB Chemistry Instructor
International High School
08.2025 - Current
Chemistry Instructor
Castilleja School
07.2024 - 06.2025
STEM Curriculum Designer/Instructor of Science & Chemical Tech.
Drew School
08.2019 - 07.2024
Instructor of Science, Chemistry & Physics
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
08.2016 - 08.2019
STEM Director/Science Instructor
St. John School
06.2009 - 08.2016
Private Math and Science Instructor
St. Paul School
09.2007 - 06.2009
Volunteer Teacher
Washington Charter School
08.2005 - 06.2007
Science Instructor
La Quinta High School
08.1999 - 06.2001
Master of Education - STEAM Education
University of San Diego
Master of Science - Geology (One Class Pending)
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Science - Geology
San Diego State University
California Teaching Credential -
Chapman University