The perfect combination: Golda Harris’ path to purposeful teaching and environmental education

When Golda Harris applied to colleges, she thought she knew exactly what she wanted: a chemistry major. But the more she wrote about her love for science in her admissions essays, the more she felt a pull in a different direction.

“I realized that everything I wrote centered around the environment—its importance and the need to educate younger generations to help combat climate change,” she said. “That realization led me to immediately switch my major to Environmental Science prior to starting my freshman year (at CU Boulder).

“I also enrolled in Step 1, an introductory teaching course, where I met an incredible community within the CU STEM Education program—and I quickly fell in love with it.”

Now, Harris is graduating from CU Boulder with a degree in Environmental Science and the Middle and High School Teaching degree from the School of Education, where she’s also being honored with the school’s Outstanding Contribution to Teaching award.

Her faculty nominator noted Harris is a standout who demonstrates a rare mix of instructional skill, reflective depth and commitments to equity and justice. She creates classroom experiences that connect scientific concepts to her students’ identities and interests.

During her time in the CU Teach program, Harris has focused on more just and equitable instruction. Her classroom is designed to help all learners see themselves as scientists, and her lessons expand students’ exposure to women leading and succeeding in STEM— Science, Technology, Engineering and Math—and other historically male fields.

“For me, graduating from CU Boulder represents overcoming struggles and breaking through barriers to become the kind of role model I wish I had growing up—especially for young female students who aspire to pursue a career in STEM,” she said.

Next, Harris plans to pay it forward as a full-time middle school science teacher at Hodgkins Leadership Academy in Westminster Public Schools in the fall. She is bringing her supportive community and a sense of belonging with her. The CU Teach STEM education program, and later, the Noyce Scholars program both reinforced her passion for environmental education and equitable, inclusive teaching practices, and she is grateful for the boundless support from mentors and peers.

“CU Boulder offered the perfect combination of strong environmental science programs and a vibrant, values-driven STEM education community—something I didn’t know I needed until I became part of it,” she said. “Now, I can’t imagine myself without it.”

In her own words

Please tell us a bit about yourself

 I'm originally from just outside Chicago, Illinois, and I initially applied as a chemistry major to all the schools I considered. But as I reflected on my application essays, I realized that everything I wrote centered around the environment—its importance and the need to educate younger generations to help combat climate change. That realization led me to immediately switch my major to Environmental Science prior to starting my freshman year in the fall of 2021. I also enrolled in Step 1, an introductory teaching course, where I met an incredible community within the CU STEM Education program—and I quickly fell in love with it.

I continued taking education classes and eventually applied to the School of Education to make my track toward my teaching licensure official. After that, my professor and co-director of the CU STEM Education program recommended I apply for a scholarship called Noyce. I did—and through that experience, I found another community within a community, one that is deeply committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in the classroom.

CU Boulder offered the perfect combination of strong environmental science programs and a vibrant, values-driven STEM education community—something I didn’t know I needed until I became part of it, and now I cannot imagine myself without it."             

What is one of the most significant lessons from your time at CU Boulder that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter?

 It may sound cliché, but you really do miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take. CU Boulder—more specifically, the CU Teach program—has provided me with more opportunities than I ever could have imagined. If I hadn’t listened to the people who believed in me and encouraged me to take chances, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned here is that people truly want to help you succeed—you just have to be open to letting them."

What does graduating from CU Boulder represent for you and/or your community?

 Throughout my time at CU Boulder—and especially in the CU Teach program—my biggest focus has been promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom every single day. I've worked to show my students that women can succeed—and thrive with excellence—in positions of power and in traditionally male-dominated fields. For me, graduating from CU Boulder represents overcoming struggles and breaking through barriers to become the kind of role model I wish I had growing up—especially for young female students who aspire to pursue a career in STEM. ”

What is your best piece of advice for incoming students?

 My best piece of advice for incoming students is to soak in every moment. These four years have been full of fun, impactful, and life-changing experiences—but they flew by faster than I could have imagined. Join clubs, do things that excite you, and try new things. This is the best time to explore, grow, and take chances—and it feels incredible when you do.”

What are your next steps after graduation?

 I am happy to announce that I have accepted a position with Westminster Public Schools at Hodgkins Leadership Academy, where I will be teaching middle school science. This is a huge milestone in my journey as an educator, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to inspire and engage with students. I am excited to integrate sustainability and environmental education into my teaching efforts, empowering students to become stewards of the planet. Additionally, I’m looking forward to furthering my education in the near future, with plans to pursue advanced degrees and certifications to continue growing in my career."