Inspiring curiosity through science

Grace Berge’s journey into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) began at Awatapu College, but teaching was not initially part of her career plan. She had been considering a career in joinery, after enjoying the school’s technology programme and the teachers and workshops that brought it to life.

Biology was initially a subject she took alongside her technology classes because she was good at science. That changed in Year 12 when she developed a fascination with genetics and microbiology.

“The natural world is absolutely fascinating to me, and understanding why living things do what they do, how our traits code for our features and learning about the microscopic world just clicked for me.”

At the same time, Ms Berge was teaching dance outside of school and discovering how much she enjoyed working with intermediate and secondary students.

“I figured out that I had a knack for teaching intermediate- and high school-aged kids and really enjoyed it. I just didn’t know what I could possibly teach in a high school.”

Inspired by her biology teacher Mr Langley, Ms Berge realised she could combine her passion for science with her enjoyment of teaching.

She changed her courses to gain University Entrance before enrolling at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, where she double majored in genetics and microbiology before completing a Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching (Secondary).

Massey offered the science pathways Ms Berge was looking for, and studying in Palmerston North allowed her to remain close to family. Her mother had also studied biological sciences at Massey.

Her teaching practicums at Palmerston North Girls’ High School and Feilding High School gave her an opportunity to experience the realities of the classroom.

“Being able to learn from actually being in the classroom was so valuable. You get to see how teachers approach difficult concepts, how they extend students who are progressing quickly and how they manage behaviour and everything else that comes with teaching.”

The Graduate Diploma also gave Ms Berge a strong support network, with student teachers placed in rōpū and supported by mentors.

“It was so valuable having people to talk to who were going through the same thing. You could ask questions, share ideas and learn from each other in a really safe environment.”

Now in her third year of teaching, Ms Berge has returned to Awatapu College as a science and biology teacher. She became Teacher in Charge of Dance in term one this year and Teacher in Charge of Biology in term three.

She says one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing the moment when a difficult concept finally makes sense.

“I love those ‘ah-ha’ moments when you can see the puzzle pieces click into place, especially when a student has told you they can’t do something and then suddenly they realise they can.”

Teachers need to constantly adapt because every student learns differently, she adds.

“Teaching is not a ‘one size fits all’ world. You have to be able to think on your feet and find different ways to explain things so that students can understand.”

She also enjoys seeing where students’ interest in science can take them beyond the classroom, whether that be taking senior biology, physics and chemistry, going on to pursue science at university or other STEM pathways.

Those experiences have reinforced why STEM education matters. Science isn’t just something students learn for an exam. It’s about understanding the world around them, developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and learning how to look at evidence and make informed decisions.

Ms Berge believes those skills can open the door to a huge range of future opportunities.

“STEM can lead to so many different careers and pathways. There are so many things students can do with those skills.”

For anyone considering a career in STEM teaching, Ms Berge has a simple message.

“Go for it! You don’t need to know everything. Students will ask you questions you don’t immediately know the answer to and sometimes they’ll even teach you something. I think being enthusiastic about your subject and wanting to share that with students is more important than knowing every single fact.”

Three years into her teaching career, Ms Berge is now helping the next generation discover the same curiosity that first drew her towards science.