Szydlowski to continue science projects following stepping away from CPS

Columbia Public Schools science educator Mike Szydlowski is ending his 25-year teaching profession at the finish of the college year, but he will be about, he mentioned.

He announced his selection not too long ago on Twitter.

“Just after 25 years of carrying out crazy applications for students/teachers, I have decided to retire following this year,” he tweeted. “I will do the out of the box stuff, but now from outdoors of the box operating as a plan administrator for the Columbia STEM Alliance and operating our Wild Trek science trips.”

Anna Osborn, a reading specialist at Jefferson Middle College, exactly where Szydlowski performs, responded.

“Heartbroken to see @Szydlowskim leave CPS,” Osborn wrote. “As a parent, I’ve gotten to witness initial hand the effect he’s had on students. But excited that he will continue to effect STEM education in our neighborhood! Congrats Mike! Seeking forward to see what science magic you cook up!”

This is his 12th year in CPS, most of them as district science coordinator. Final year he transitioned to becoming a middle college science teacher.

“I have loved what I have completed for the final 25 years, but teaching has gotten tougher and not as enjoyable,” Szydlowski mentioned of his selection. “The preferred component of my job has usually been carrying out entertaining science projects with youngsters. I discovered other techniques to do that, operating trips and operating with the STEM Alliance.”

The Columbia STEM Alliance is a not-for-profit organization with a mission of supplying science, technologies, engineering and math to K-12 students.

“My target is to drop the bureaucracy and concentrate on the component I like,” Szydlowski mentioned.

At CPS, Szydlowski has coordinated science trips for students to the Excellent Smoky Mountains and Grand Teton National Park.

“With the STEM Alliance, we’re going to run our personal science trips and perform with distinct schools on composting applications,” Szydlowski mentioned.

He was instrumental in pushing for a Boone County Nature College. The Jefferson Middle College Zoo has been an additional project. Jefferson became a science, technologies, engineering, arts and math college beneath his supervision.

He will be capable to perform with the college to retain the zoo going, he mentioned.

Oh, and his kids’ science column in the Tribune on Wednesdays will continue, he mentioned.

“I will have extra time to perform on them,” he mentioned.

Roger McKinney is the Tribune’s education reporter. You can attain him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1719. He’s on Twitter at @rmckinney9.