At the Union vs Broken Arrow football game, Union’s Principal Tony Tempest was presented a check for Science and Math education at Union high school by the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas.
One of the teachers who will benefit from this donation is Aryn Hardman who teaches AP Environmental Science & On-Level Environmental Science at Union High.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your hobbies, your passions.
I am an 8th year teacher, a mom and a wife. I have a love for all things science and nature and love spending time outdoors. I also enjoy traveling and meeting people from other places/backgrounds. I consider myself a lifelong learner and hope that my love for learning spreads to my students.
What classes do you teach?
AP Environmental Science and On-level Environmental Science
Where did you go to college and what led you into teaching?
NSU. I wanted to be a teacher from the age of 5 but the path I took wasn’t traditional. I didn’t decide to complete my education degree until my children were in school and I graduated at 38! Once I went back, I knew I had made the right decision. I like to share my story with students to help them understand they don’t/won’t have it all figured out at graduation, but they can always make a change and do something different with their life.
Who mentored you into the educator you are today?
I have worked with several amazing people who have helped shape me into the educator I am today. I would say that my dear friend, Stephanie Bradley, kept me sane through my early years.
What do you love about teaching?
I love the aha moments! I love it when kids who didn’t think they were good at science have success and you see it in their whole being. I love providing hands-on learning opportunities to deepen understanding of the world around us.
What is great about your current school?
The greatest thing about Union High School is the students!
Why is teaching Science and Math so important?
Math and especially science are essential for understanding the world we are part of. The future is shaped by those who have a firm grasp of both. As a science educator, I believe I am preparing students to lead with critical thinking and problem solving skills. From my vantage point, the future is bright!
On behalf of Union Public Schools, Mr. Tempest presented a Redhawks game ball to the People of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas.
