Spotlight on: Molly Reilly
Eighth Grade Science Teacher
Q. What date did you start in the new role?
A. Aug. 8, 2024.
Q. What is your background experience that led to this position?
A. My career as an educator started at the early childhood level. I worked at a preschool, and this started to shape the ideas I had in mind about the type of science educator I strived to be – embracing our nature to explore. I also have experience at the childhood level and adolescent level – both being rooted in Buffalo, N.Y., where I initially completed my undergraduate degree in chemistry and received my Master of Education degree. Last year, I taught high school chemistry and marine science for a year at Buffalo Academy of Science in downtown Buffalo, and I adored every minute of it! But now I am grateful to be a little bit closer to home (I grew up in Utica) and to learn more about the community that Herkimer CSD reflects 🙂
Q. What makes you excited about working in your new role at Herkimer CSD?
A. I am most excited for being a part of what already seems like such a supportive learning community. As well, to collaborate with the knowledgeable staff and strong leaders to create meaningful learning opportunities that empower all my students to step into their full potential as not only scientists but as critical thinkers and active participants – to utilize their knowledge of science and understanding of scientific concepts to address the things they are passionate about within their community. Guiding students as they make sense of their shared and individual worlds through science!
Q. When did you first know you wanted become a teacher and what made you feel that way?
A. I first knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was sitting in my chemistry class during my sophomore year of college. I was initially on track to be a dentist, thinking that was where my passion lied. But, as I sat within my science courses, I felt eager to start learning how I can become a teacher! I love people and I love science. This is one way that I can combine those passions. Every moment after that deepened my knowledge and passion about and for this vocation. The love that truly goes into this profession.
Q. What do you think makes Herkimer CSD special?
A. The emphasis on the well-being of the whole child is what makes Herkimer CSD special. While there is, of course, the emphasis on students learning the content and deepening their knowledge within their core classes, I believe it is the attention to the students’ social-emotional well-being and the resources that are provided to ensure they are being supported in various ways that makes Herkimer CSD special and a district that I am proud to be a part of!