Megan Hayes-Golding
I teach physics at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The curriculum here is Physics First, so my students are freshmen.
My students study waves, sound, light, and electricity followed by mechanics. To give a window into my classroom, I keep a 180 Days of Teaching blog.
Other duties of mine include helping coach the WiredCats FRC #2415, a FIRST Robotics team; working with the LGBT/Q affinity group; and sponsoring the Jewish student club.
I attended Georgia State University for a Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary Mathematics, graduating in December 2009.
I’m active in teacher professional development communities on Twitter, via email, and in person.
My interests include the history of technology, teen pop culture, and near-future science fiction (Nancy Kress is my favorite).
Ancient History
Melbourne, Florida was my hometown from kindergarten to high school. I graduated Eau Gallie High School in 1992. Every time I return, I look forward to eating pizza at Bizzarro’s (name’s changed, so I’m still calling it Petrillo’s) on the beach in Indialantic.
Two formative memories stand out from my life: working at NASA Kennedy Space Center just after high school and serving aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) during college.
NASA hired me as a co-operative education student but it felt more like 2 1/2 months of tourism where I got paid. In all that time, I remained in awe of the fact that the work those people did sent astronauts into space. I saw and supported 3 shuttle launches and welcomed them each back home.
A few short years later, I spent a month on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) as a midshipman during my time with the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. We were deployed in the Mediterranean during more peaceful times. I was one of fewer than 25 women on a ship of 6000 men — the first time the TR was deployed with women integrated into the crew.
Both put me close to my lofty dreams and provided many great memories.
I studied engineering at Auburn University, worked for nearly 8 years in high tech fields, then finally took my chance to teach. My first five years teaching were at Chrysalis Experiential Academy in Roswell, Georgia. The experience allowed me to grow and find my niche in the profession. I’m honored to have been highlighted on 11 Alive Atlanta as a Class Act Teacher for the 2008-9 school year.
Megan Hayes-Golding 
Wow! I’m really impressed!!!! Who knew???? 😛
How come I never had a teacher like you? Actually, I did for a brief period in the 7th grade, way back in the early ’60s. I’ll never forget him. His name was Mr. Mumma (pronounced Moo-Maw). There was a little sign on his desk that read DON’T DISCRIMINATE. I found that confusing and asked him, “Isn’t it good to be discriminating?” Don’t remember what he said, but it’s the first time I realized that a word can mean very different things depending upon its context.
Hey Megan, I’m an elementary school teacher in Alpharetta. I’ve added you to my blog roll. Are you a women of web 2 fan? I noticed Vicki’s blog is on your blogroll.
Wow, It’s really nice to know you better!