My interest in STEM studies began with an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering in 1985 and a graduate degree in Mathematics in 1998.  I worked as an engineer in the field of electromagnetic compatibility for twelve years, most of which were at Raytheon in Tewksbury.  I had a long-held desire to teach and loved working with teenagers.  In June 1997 I received the entry level certification in Math and Physics and within two months had a job teaching Physics at Beverly High School.  It was a significant pay cut and change of work pace.  The amount of energy needed to get through the first year was far beyond any expectation I had.  I had some helpful colleagues and loved teaching teens, so I survived.  In my second year I started teaching PreCalculus and Calculus in addition to Physics.  In 2004 I was selected for a Radio Shack National Teacher Award.  I am in my eleventh year teaching at Beverly High School. 

The career opportunities in STEM fields are often overlooked by students.  I became a STEM Fellow because I am interested in hearing from colleagues about a variety of ideas for exciting student interest in these fields.  I learned much as a Fellow and the professional development was the best I have had.  In my classroom I am now more focused toward increasing student awareness of the career opportunities in math, science and engineering.  I continued in the STEM grant as a STEM Leader in 2007.  This activity led to an externship position this past summer at GE in Lynn.  I worked in the Quality Systems group doing statistical analysis and assisting with an Army audit.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.  I got a first-hand look at the skills students need to succeed in a STEM industry.  This school year as a STEM Leader I will be working with middle school teachers to help them develop their ideas to engage students more effectively in STEM subjects.  I anticipate I will learn a lot in this process. 

Outside of school I live in Beverly with my husband, 16 year old daughter and mother-in-law.  My 18 year old son, who is my former student, is a freshman at UMass Amherst majoring in Electrical Engineering.  I enjoy music as a hobby by playing trumpet and drums in a church group.  I am also pursuing certification as a Principal through Salem State College.

Pat Dube, Beverly High, Math/Physics