![Mary Tesan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1607713251/uwcdilijanorg/annnaziunx9v5zcp8nqb/MaryT.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1607713251/uwcdilijanorg/annnaziunx9v5zcp8nqb/MaryT.jpg","width":450}])
Teacher of Chemistry / Biology
Education
- BA in Education, University of Lethbridge, Canada
Bio
I grew up in a large family on a farm in western Canada. It was here that I learned my love of nature, science and animals. After earning my degree, I spent the first 12 years of my teaching career in small rural schools in southern Alberta. I moved to New Zealand in 2003 and taught in a small city called Whanganui before moving to Scots College in Wellington. It was here that I started teaching the IB programme. The past five years I have been teaching IB Chemistry at South Island School in Hong Kong.
What is the favourite part of the course you teach?
Organic and biochemistry, I like the challenge and how it relates to living things.
Which teaching method do you prefer and why?
My perfect classroom environment is one in which everyone feels challenged and supported.
What advice would you give to a student of your subject?
Be prepared to work hard, ask questions, and practise new skills.
Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
My university philosophy professor, he loved his subject and teaching. He would get so excited about the topics he lectured on.
What is your life motto?
Any day you learn something new is a good day.
What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
My family, friends and books.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Reading, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, playing card games, sewing and anything that gets me outdoors (hiking and gardening are favorites).