The Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS, Inc.) is pleased to welcome Rosemary Rak and Jennifer Klein to its staff.  Jennifer joins the staff as Education Director and Rosemary as Education Specialist.

Rosemary Rak hails from Fall River, Massachusetts, and served as the Science Curriculum Supervisor in Taunton for 20 years.  Her research interest is science teacher retention in urban schools, and the comparison of retention factors among first-career teachers and career changes.  Rosemary holds a BS in Biology, an MS in Marine Biology and both a CAGS and a PhD in Educational Leadership. Her hobbies include walking, hiking, birdwatching and spending time with her family.  As a part-time Education Specialist, Rosemary will be working with MITS’ Educator Services programs and program evaluation.

Jennifer Klein was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she taught science and environmental education in a public school district before moving to Providence, Rhode Island.  She comes to MITS from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, where she oversaw their urban initiatives.  Jennifer holds a BA in Conservative Biology and Environmental Education, and an MS in Ecological Teaching and Learning.  She is currently working towards a PhD in Interdisciplinary Educational Studies, looking at the synthesis of ecological literacy, science education and urban ecology.  Jennifer is interested in how the teaching of science in urban communities contributes to the development of ecological literacy – especially the role that teacher professional development plays in this.  As Education Director, Jennifer will oversee all of MITS program offerings.  She will be working closely with MITS’ partners at zoos, aquaria and science centers, and will help facilitate cornerstone programs like the Summer Professional Development Institutes, SeaPerch Workshops, and Professional Development Seminars.

The Museum Institute for Teaching Science specializes in providing hands-on, minds-on, inquiry-based STEM professional development for formal and informal educators.  For more information, visit www.mits.org or call 617-328-1515.

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