About me
Tara Holaday- STEM Educator
CTE building room #212
Working hours: 8:00am-3:30pm M-Th, 8:00am-2:30pm F.
Office hours: 1:35-1:50pm daily
Welcome!
I teach three exciting courses: Dual Credit Forensic Science, Dual Credit Engineering Design & CAD, and Principles of Applied Engineering.
The Dual Credit Forensic Science course is collaborated with RIT/NTID as part of Project Fast Forward. It is offered to the college-bound seniors, allowing them to earn both high school and college credits at the same time. In this course, students learn fundamental concepts on the Ethical Standards, Criminal Justice, Fingerprinting, Blood Typing, Hair, Odontology, Anthropology, DNA, Footprint Impressions, and more.
Beyond classroom learning, students participate in mock crime scenes and court stimulation to solve mysteries. We also go on intensive field trips, including visits to the Austin Crime Lab, Body Farm, Correctional Complex, and Courthouse. If any parents or guardians are interested in volunteering during these trips, please contact me via my email above. I welcome anyone interested in helping out.
In addition to receive dual credits, we aim to participate in SkillsUSA this year. I am excited to try this experience as we strongly believe in creating more networking, scholarship opportunities, and employment opportunities in the state of Texas and nationwide.
The second course, Dual Credit Engineering Design & Cad, is also in partnership with RIT/NTID, enabling students to earn dual college credits. This course emphasizes skill development in sketching tools used to create 2D models and profiles of parts, which are then transformed into 3D solid models. We also plan to explore different 3D printing manufacturing techniques available in Austin and invite guest speakers to share their industry experiences.
The third course, Prinicples of Applied Engineering, is a new addition I am excited to bring forward to enhance students' STEM experience. The focus will be on solving real-world, open-ended problems using engineering design practices and processes. The course will involve collaborative work and exploration of career opportunities in electrical, robotics, and mechanical system fields.
In addition to teaching, I serve as a mentor and coach for students interested in STEM. I lead the Tech Girls Club under the Girls Scouts organization and also work with Girls Who Code. My goal this year is to help students realize their potential and foster their interest in STEM fields. Engagement in STEM will help students develop scientific reasoning, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills- empowering them to tackle real-world challenges effectively.
Education at Rochester Institute of Technology
- MS in Secondary Deaf Education
- BS in Biomedical Sciences
Work Experience
- Texas School for the Deaf
- Sequoia School for the Secondary Ed.
Certifications
- Deaf and HOH K-12
- Bilingual Education
- Spec. Ed.
"The Science of today is the technology of tomorrow." - Edward Teller
