This post is by Jessica Fries-Gaither, a 2024-2025 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the Library of Congress.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been a science educator for 25 years, teaching in Catholic, public, and independent schools in four different states (TN, AK, IN, and OH). During that time, I’ve taught students from first grade through graduate school and have designed and provided professional development for practicing teachers. Additionally, I’ve held several administrative positions, including managing NSF grants at the Ohio State University and serving as my school’s Director of Studies (curriculum director). Most recently, I served as the Science Department Chair and Lower School Science Specialist at Columbus School for Girls in Columbus, Ohio. Outside of school, I’m an author, and have published three books for teachers and three books for children (with two more on the way). My first children’s book was read aboard the International Space Station by astronaut Joseph Acaba as part of the Storytime from Space program!
How has using primary sources changed your teaching?
Primary sources humanize science. While students often view science as a static body of facts to be learned, primary sources tell a different story. Photos, notebook entries, manuscripts, and diagrams all remind us that the scientists of the past were just like us: people trying to better understand the natural world. I’m determined to help students develop scientific identities, and when they view science as a human enterprise, they can place themselves within that bigger picture.
Why did you apply for the Einstein Fellowship?
As my answer to the first question might suggest, I am always looking for new experiences and opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve been fortunate over the course of my career to travel, study, and learn from and with incredible people, and all these experiences have enriched my work with students. After 25 years, I was ready for a new challenge and a chance to broaden my impact on science education. I can’t wait to see where this fellowship takes me!
What are you goals for your year as a Fellow?
I want to learn as much as I possibly can: from the collections, my new colleagues at the Library and in the Fellowship, and DC as a whole. I also hope to contribute in some small way to the Library’s mission and work.
What advice would you give to teachers who want to use primary sources in classroom activities given the push to meet standards and ensure success on standardized tests?
In my experience, nothing stimulates questioning and critical thinking like primary sources. While standards and testing are time constraints in most classrooms across the country, taking just a few minutes to explore and investigate a primary source can pique students’ curiosity, increase their motivation, and deepen their learning. That’s time well spent.
Do you enjoy these posts? Subscribe! You’ll receive free teaching ideas and primary sources from the Library of Congress.