Mrs. Deborah Tieman is an education specialist with over thirty years of experience teaching STEM courses to students of all ages.  She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science Degree in Biology from Wayne State University. Deb is a graduate of the Galileo Teacher Consortium and holds several teacher leadership certificates related to the advancement of science education. As a science instructor, Deb strives to meet the needs of students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds through the Modeling instructional technique.  Modeling creates a supportive educational culture that celebrates differences in ideas, abilities, and backgrounds. The use of Socratic circles and consensus building fosters inclusion and equity, making complex science concepts accessible to all students. She currently resides in the metro Detroit area where her primary focus is teaching biology and AP biology at the high school level.  She also teaches elementary and college level courses in various STEM disciplines. She has a passion for outdoor education and enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling in her spare time.

Mrs. Kate Pionk is a science educator with over ten years of experience teaching Physics and Chemistry. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Oakland University and a Master of Science Degree in Science Education from Western Michigan University. Her professional growth includes workshops and training in science education and leadership, as well as active involvement in the Galileo Teacher Consortium.As Department Head, she guides curriculum development, mentors colleagues, and supports professional growth in science instruction. She is dedicated to using Modeling Instruction to foster student-centered classrooms where inquiry, model-building, and collaborative reasoning are central. Through this approach, she creates learning environments that celebrate differences in ideas, abilities, and backgrounds, making complex science concepts accessible to all students.She has a passion for supporting students and teachers alike in building deep conceptual understanding and confidence in science. Her teaching emphasizes active engagement, thoughtful discussion, and hands-on exploration, helping students see themselves as capable scientists. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her two young children (ages 2½ and 6 months), exploring nature, and creating lasting memories together.