Central Junior High 7th-grade science teacher Kylee Graumann has experienced the power of professional development and recently shared how two particular sessions have helped her advance how her students learn in her classroom. 

Graumann was selected to attend the Yellowstone Forever STEAM Conference for Teachers, June 24-28, at their headquarters in Gardiner, MT. The location is across from the Roosevelt Arch, the historic north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. She went through a competitive application process, which made the event a fully-funded scholarship experience.

Being chosen from a pool of educators across the country was an incredible honor and provided me the opportunity to participate in a weeklong professional development program at Yellowstone National Park.

- Kylee Graumann, CJH 7th Grade Science

Graumann, who is also her school's National Junior Honor Society advisor, said, "During my first year of 7th-grade science, I taught a unit on Yellowstone and the reintroduction of wolves using, 'Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem,' by Jude Isabella and illustrated by Kim Smith. The book explains how the reintroduction of gray wolves into Yellowstone in 1995 restored balance to the ecosystem, influenced prey populations, allowed vegetation to recover, and created ripple effects throughout the park.

"While I could share the stories and lessons from the book with my students, I had never actually been to Yellowstone myself, so I didn’t have a firsthand connection to the park. I wanted to find an opportunity that allowed me to gain a firsthand experience that I could bring back to the classroom for my students."

Graumann said the experience provided her with a firsthand perspective she could bring back to her students. While there, she collaborated with other teacher attendees to explore creative ways to incorporate Yellowstone into our ecosystem units, design activities that bring science to life and inspire curiosity. She said the experience allowed her to see the Junction Butte and Mollies Wolf Pack, observe bears, bison, and pronghorns and see areas where vegetation had regenerated. This exposure provided vivid and real examples for Graumann to connect to the lessons revolving around Isabella's book.

Graumann also spoke with conservationists, biologists, and National Park Rangers, who offered multiple perspectives on the park and the science behind ecosystem restoration, enriching her understanding.

A second opportunity came through a full scholarship to attend the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. It was a weeklong Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) focused professional development program that had Graumann explore the scientific principles behind historical processes, such as paint creation, brick making, architecture and crop rotation. They learned how science and engineering shaped daily life in the past and continue to influence our lives today through modern advancements. Finally, collaborating with educators and experts highlighted the importance of inquiry-based learning and using real-world examples to deepen students’ understanding of both science and history.

"One of the most significant takeaways from the experience was learning that science is a time machine to our past and history is our map for future scientific discoveries. I observed how conservationists and historians use scientific tools, like XRF machines, to analyze artifacts and determine their composition, age and origin.

"I hope to implement strategies in my classroom that encourage students to stay curious, ask thoughtful questions, and explore the world around them," said Graumann

Now in her third year of teaching, Graumann said that since her first year, she's had the support for continued education and training from her principal and administrators, as well as supportive colleagues who have guided and encouraged her.

Programs like the Effective Teacher Academy provide a wonderful foundation for new teachers, offering practical strategies, mentorship and opportunities to grow professionally. I felt an invaluable level of support from the district that gave me the confidence to try new teaching approaches, take risks in the classroom and continuously improve my practice.

- Kylee Graumann

"The Effective Teacher Academy was an invaluable resource I will never take for granted, and the MPS Instructional Resource Team is amazing. We were encouraged to, 'Find our marigolds early.' These are the positive and supportive people who help us grow. I was fortunate to find mine in my administrators, colleagues and mentors. Having those 'marigolds' around me gave me the confidence, guidance and encouragement I needed to develop as an educator," said Graumann.

She wants her students to learn that science is connected to everything in their lives and reaches across all subjects and see that science is not only experiments in a lab. She said it’s part of history, technology, art, math, engineering and everyday problem-solving.

"By staying curious, exploring real-world examples and doing hands-on activities, I hope my students recognize that there’s a part of science that can excite and engage everyone. I want them to build confidence and a lifelong interest in learning about the world around them," said Graumann.