- Reading; traveling; cycling and running; volunteer work; and spending time with friends and family
Lara Kossiakoff
Wilmington,Delaware
Summary
Experienced middle school science educator and curriculum leader with extensive experience designing rigorous, supportive, and inquiry-driven learning experiences across biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. Deeply committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice, I continually refine my teaching through research-based frameworks and collaboration with colleagues. I prioritize strong personal connections with students and create classroom environments where questioning, critical thinking, and creativity. My approach positions science not simply as content to be learned, but as a way of thinking and a process of discovery, empowering students to develop the skills, confidence, and habits of mind needed to investigate the natural world.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher (Physical & Biological Science)
Tower Hill School
01.2022 - Current
- Enhanced student engagement through collaborative, inquiry-based science curriculum development.
- Promoted critical thinking by embedding inquiry throughout the science instructional process.
- Supported 8th-grade students academically and emotionally during critical transitional year.
- Facilitated faculty professional development focused on inquiry-driven instruction strategies.
- Mentored students in research for New Castle County Science Fair projects.
- Designed interdisciplinary units connecting scientific concepts with societal issues and ethics.
5th–8th Grade Science Teacher (Physical, Biological & Environmental Science; Marine Biology; Robotics)
Catherine Cook School
01.2009 - 01.2022
- Enhanced interdisciplinary learning through collaboration with faculty across various subjects.
- Developed coherent Grades 5–8 science curriculum for high school readiness.
- Led ISACS accreditation self-studies for science committee in 2012 and 2019.
- Completed National SEED Training and engaged in Science Leadership Initiative.
- Facilitated students' academic and social-emotional growth as advisory leader.
- Created engaging laboratory-centered science experiences focusing on inquiry and reflection.
6th–8th Grade Science Teacher (Integrated Science, Health) 9th–12th Grade Science Teacher (Physical Science, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology)
Arts and Communications Magnet Academy
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Boosted student engagement through innovative science curriculum design and instruction.
- Established partnerships with Oregon Zoo and OMSI for experiential learning opportunities.
- Improved science skills via inquiry-based laboratories and real-world field experiences.
- Aligned science curriculum, resulting in enhanced district assessment performance.
- Enabled access to high school science internships and mentorship for students.
- Provided academic guidance and emotional support across various grade levels.
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher; Science Department Chair
Whitford Middle School
01.1997 - 01.2004
- Enhanced curriculum coordination as Science Department Chair, fostering organizational leadership.
- Facilitated productive department meetings, serving as liaison to school administration.
- Supported adoption of new curricula as District Science and Health Coordinator.
- Mentored novice science teachers, supervising university student teachers in lesson design.
- Trained faculty in inquiry-based lab experiences as a Vernier probeware specialist.
- Designed innovative electives, engaging students in diverse scientific disciplines.
Education
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Science Education
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OregonBachelor of Science (BS) - Biology
Willamette University
Salem, OregonSkills
- Student engagement
- Scientific inquiry
- Scientific literacy
- Collaborative learning
- Cross-curricular connections
- Instruction and leadership
Interests
Field Work & Research Experience
- Illinois Sierra Club Water Monitoring Team (2018–2019)
- Friends of the Chicago River Analysis Team (2009–2018)
- Tualatin Valley Watershed Researcher & Curriculum Writer (2000–2002)
- Contributor to published ecological research on invasive plant species (2008)
International & Global Education Experience
- Led student delegations focused on global problem-solving, civic engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. Supported students in researching local and global issues, developing action plans, and presenting solutions at international conferences held in in North and South America.
- Designed and facilitated pre-travel curriculum emphasizing cultural awareness, global citizenship, ethical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary research.
- Participated in an international teacher exchange focused on cross-cultural teaching practices, curriculum comparison, and classroom observation in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Courses Developed & Taught
- High School Science (Grades 9–12)
- Anatomy & Physiology; Biology; Physical Science
- Middle School Science (Grades 5–8)
- Biology; Chemistry; Earth Science; Ecology; Physics
National & Conference Presentations
- Upcoming (Accepted): National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference — April 2026
- ISACS Annual Conference — Louisville, KY (2012)
- People of Color National Conference — Tampa, FL (2015)
- Progressive Schools Conference — Boston, MA (2017)
Outside Interests
Reading; traveling; cycling and running; volunteer work; and spending time with friends and family.
Timeline
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher (Physical & Biological Science)
Tower Hill School
01.2022 - Current
5th–8th Grade Science Teacher (Physical, Biological & Environmental Science; Marine Biology; Robotics)
Catherine Cook School
01.2009 - 01.2022
6th–8th Grade Science Teacher (Integrated Science, Health) 9th–12th Grade Science Teacher (Physical Science, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology)
Arts and Communications Magnet Academy
01.2004 - 01.2007
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher; Science Department Chair
Whitford Middle School
01.1997 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Biology
Willamette University
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Science Education
Lewis & Clark College