Hi, my name is Marietta Cleckley. I have taught science Uniondale High School in Uniondale New York for the past eight years. Uniondale is a town just outside of New York City on Long Island. The high school has about 1800 students in grades 9-12. The subjects I have taught are Biology and Chemistry. I was born in a small town outside of Charleston, South Carolina. I came with my family to live in New York as a child and I haven't lived anywhere else since.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Hofstra University (also located in Long Island). After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I began a career in business as a corporate trainer for a bank. I still had an interest in science and continued taking classes. I eventually earned a Master's Degree in Biology from Long Island University in Brooklyn. After 13 years in business, I decided to return to my first love and become a science teacher. And so, about 12 years ago I traded my lush office and private secretary for a classroom. It is a decision I have never regretted. I love teaching and I love teaching science. I had a lot of catching up to do, but, I also enjoy learning.
Over the years, I have been involved in several science courses and projects.
One such project was an archeological dig in Swaziland, Africa, searching for fossils of early man. We camped out in the African bush for three weeks. It was a wonderful experience. I have also been involved in DNA research at Cold Spring Harbor as part of a summer research program for teachers. For the last two summers, I have also been part of another program called the Summer Research Program for Teachers coordinated by Columbia University. My project is in an organic chemistry lab at Hofstra University. All of these opportunities have been valuable experiences and have offered me insight into how science should be taught.
In school, I am the faculty advisor for a group called The Teachers of Tomorrow. I also started a chapter of The New York State Science Honor Society in my school about 7 years ago.
Most of my spare time is spent recuperating from my daily activities, however, I do enjoy traveling, the theater, dining out in New York City, and taking long walks.
Translation of Ms. Cleckley's Journals into Spanish by the Uniondale High School AP Spanish Class!
Antarctic Cuisine Follow the meal menu enjoyed by Ms. Cleckley while she is in Antarctica!
TEA Presentation Look at Marietta Cleckley's power point presentation about TEA and it's success in bringing polar research into the classroom!
