A Legacy of Passion and Innovation in Education
Tyna Meeks Siptrott has dedicated 28 years to teaching, leaving an indelible mark on her students and colleagues at Indian River High School in Upstate New York. Her career reflects a profound commitment to education, innovation, and student engagement.
It Started with a Postcard
“I remember my very first year as a newly hired teacher at Indian River, and a little postcard was in my mailbox that said, ‘Have you considered teaching college courses?’” says Tyna. She tells us that she immediately contacted Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) and trained to teach SU Chemistry that summer. “I have been teaching SU chemistry for 27 years.” A few years later Jim Spencer, the faculty liaison for SU Chemistry, asked if she would be interested in being a part of the pilot program for CHEM 113 Forensics. Tyna said yes and eagerly took on her second SU Chemistry course.
Professional Development and Collaboration
Throughout her career, Tyna has valued the professional development that SUPA provides. “The professional development with the professors, and other professionals who are at the top of their field, has always been fascinating to me,” she says. These experiences, she says, have enriched her teaching and allowed her to bring “cutting-edge knowledge” back to her students.
Tyna has also built strong connections with other SUPA teachers, creating a supportive network that has been invaluable, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. “We started a group text between four of us teaching SU forensics… and we still have it. We were on it all the time just to support each other,” she recalls. This camaraderie, she tells us, has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout her career.
Innovative Teaching
Tyna’s approach to teaching is characterized by creativity and a willingness to experiment. One of her more memorable initiatives included a forensic science project that provided students with a hands-on, interactive experience in collecting evidence. She began by enlisting her colleagues at Indian River to act as suspects for the students to gather evidence from. The suspects had the option of telling the students they needed a warrant before cooperating. If a warrant was needed, the students would present their findings to Tyna, who was the acting judge. Students had a five-minute wait as Tyna carefully reviewed the evidence before the warrant was granted. “It was the longest five minutes of their life as they waited for the warrant to clear,” she says, laughing. This approach not only engaged students, she says, but also fostered a deeper understanding of forensic science.
Impact on Students
Tyna’s influence extends beyond the classroom, affecting the academic and career paths of many students. Her commitment to promoting an interest in science has led numerous students to pursue careers in STEM fields. “Several students have gone into neuroscience, pre-med, and other scientific fields,” she notes.
A former student, Deanna Chavez, who is now working in media, contacted Tyna many years after graduating. She told Tyna, “I remember my forensics class I took with you, and we need somebody who’s willing to talk about their perception of police and investigations and evidence,” Tyna recalls. This interaction led to a video interview.
Pursuing a Ph.D.
Driven by her passion for chemistry, and with support from chemistry professor and SUPA faculty liaison, Jim Spencer, who was now a mentor, Tyna decided to pursue a Ph.D. Initially focusing on chemistry, Tyna had a defining moment that changed her path. Jim asked Tyna to step in and deliver a lecture to his SU campus class. A student approached her afterward saying she got so much out of the class that she wanted to take any class Tyna taught. At this point, Tyna realized her true calling was science education. With Jim’s support, a unique approach merging education and scientific inquiry was approved and Tyna transitioned to a Ph.D. in science education, conducting innovative research directly in a science classroom. “Tyna has a unique gift to quickly make a deep connection with her students. I believe this arises from Tyna’s own lifelong pursuit of learning and understanding of science. She is a truly outstanding and dedicated researcher, inspirational teacher, thoughtful colleague, and true friend.” Jim says.
Teaching Philosophy
Tyna’s teaching philosophy centers on fostering a love for learning and creating a supportive, engaging environment. She believes in being adaptable, open to new ideas, and the value of learning alongside her students. Tyna encourages students to explore and think outside the box. “If that means that you’re learning together, that’s okay because they love to see you in that scenario where you say, ‘Look, we’re going to do this together and it might not work out the first time, but that’s okay because we’re going to learn this together.’”
Tyna also stresses the importance of understanding each student’s unique needs. “When you’re looking at a class, you are looking at individuals. You are not teaching a group. You are teaching this student, and this student, and this student. And you must hit each of those kids at the levels that they need you,” she says.
Mike Sponsler, SU Professor of Chemistry, has visited Tyna’s classes throughout the years and says, “Tyna has always elevated the experience of her students in thoughtful and unexpected ways. She has also continually helped others in SUPA with her ideas and resources, including other teachers, faculty liaisons, and administrators.”
Advice for Future Educators
For those considering a career in teaching, Tyna offers sage advice: “No fear. You’re doing this because you love the students, and you want to bring them something new. So, no fear. It’s new. It’s going to be new to you, but it’s new to them too.” Her encouragement to embrace challenges and think creatively has undoubtedly shaped the careers of many educators. She’s often approached by teachers at STANYS (Science Teachers Association of NYS) asking for advice because they have heard of her teaching experience.
A Joyful Farewell
As Tyna prepares for retirement, she looks back on her decades-long career with joy and a sense of accomplishment. “I always said that I would know when I was ready to leave… I want to depart with the same joy with which I began,” she remarks. Her tenure at Indian River High School and SUPA is distinguished by her passion, innovation, and steadfast dedication to her students.