Middle School Ambassador Candidates 2026
Scott Valenta
Winfield, Illinois
Years of experience: 5-10
Current grade levels taught: 6, 7, 8
Teaching and Chemistry Interests
I serve as the Middle School Science Teacher at St. John the Baptist Catholic School, where I teach grades 6-8 and lead a STEM lab for PK-8. I am passionate about integrating chemistry across the curriculum, as it serves as a unifying thread throughout middle school science. I also serve as a Facilitator for the National Energy Education Development Project, providing instruction on the chemistry of the energy industry and professional development for educators and students at the middle and high school levels.
Why I Want to Serve
Giving back to the educational community has become one of my primary professional goals. As an educator, I believe in honoring the organizations and mentors who shape us into the professionals we become. The American Association of Chemistry Teachers has played a transformative role in my journey. Through the Science Coaches program, I gained the individualized support and confidence needed to expand and strengthen the chemistry curriculum at my middle school. AACT’s extensive library of high quality lessons, activities, and simulations has enriched my classroom and enhanced student learning.
My previous year on the Governing Board further deepened my appreciation for AACT’s mission. It provided invaluable insight into effective leadership, collaboration, and service at a national level. This experience strengthened my commitment to supporting middle school educators and advancing chemistry education.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities AACT has provided, and I would be honored to serve again as the Middle School Ambassador. In this role, I am eager to give back by supporting fellow educators, amplifying middle school perspectives, and contributing meaningfully to the continued growth of the organization.
Carrie Jones
Raleigh, North Carolina
Years of experience: 20-30
Current grade levels taught: 8
Teaching and Chemistry Interests
As a middle school teacher, I’m passionate about making chemistry accessible, relevant, and exciting for students through both classroom instruction and enrichment opportunities. I created a Kitchen Chemistry club with consistent attendance of 45 students, mostly female, and organized a STEM Jewelry club exploring metals, elements, and enameling on copper. I also integrate chemistry across science disciplines, using our school garden to teach concepts like soil pH, elements, and plant growth. My goal is to foster scientific curiosity and help students see chemistry not just as a subject to learn, but as a meaningful way to understand the world.
Why I Want to Serve
I want to serve in this capacity because I believe in making chemistry education engaging, accessible, and meaningful for students and the broader community. I enjoy creating learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in science, both with science instruction or informal outreach activities.
This role would also allow me to collaborate with others who are passionate about science education, contribute new ideas, and help expand opportunities for students to connect chemistry to real-world questions and experiences. I see it as a chance not only to support learners, but also to continue growing as an educator and communicator within the scientific community.