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Frances Amato
STEM Teacher, NYCDOE
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Don't be worried if you stand out. Don't worry if you are the only girl in the room. It doesn't matter.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I have a lot of roles. I have created a STEM program and makerspace from scratch 8 years ago that was one of the first ones in my district until STEM was stopped at my school two years ago. Now, I run a science based STEM program where we go over science themes integrating STEM principles. I am an Ed Tech Model Teacher and Ed Tech Mentor. I support teachers, pre-service teachers and other staff in learning how to use Ed Tech to engage students and bring STEM into the classroom. I am my school’s technology liaison to the district where we come together with the STEM department to put new initiatives into effect, learn, grow and support one another.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I love being a teacher and I fell I love with working wtih students with autism and multiple disabilities. I have a passion for STEM and Ed Tech.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I wish I knew I could work on computers and learn how to program. That as a female I had options to explore other fields. I always figured that teaching was safe because I either wanted to teach or go into law but then tech, computer literacy, computer programming became a part of my life and I felt like I was cheated out of what could have been an amazing career path if I would have known about this when I was in school.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I wake up looking forward to supporting students in building a love of STEM. I love taking different tools and creating and coming together to make new things. I love the excitement in my students eyes when we code, program, and build. It inspires me to bring more items in my classroom to support a hands-on STEM education.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
My advice for the next generation of girls in STEM is to not be scared. Don't be worried if you stand out. Don't worry if you are the only girl in the room. It doesn't matter. Your passion can take you far. You can do it!
INSPO / FUN FACT
"Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers is transformational." - George Couros