Last year, Highland Park High School chemistry teacher Ms. Yang relocated to Taiwan. The school now welcomes Dr. Emily Tenenbaum, a Highland Park local but HPHS newcomer. The Fling approached Dr. Tenenbaum to learn more about her background and introduce her to the school community.
Phineas: Where did you work prior to coming here?
Dr. Tenenbaum: Before I came to Highland Park, I was a teacher at Piscataway High School. I taught science there. Before doing that, I worked in the private sector as a project manager for technology companies.
Phineas: What made you want to switch to teaching here?
Dr. Tenenbaum: I’ve always wanted to teach in the community where I live. I think it has a lot of advantages. One is that it’s easy to walk or bike to work. The other is that I just think it’d be cool to see my students around town, and I like the idea of really being part of the community where I live in a professional way as well.
Phineas: How would you describe your teaching style?
Dr. Tenenbaum: I really love science, especially chemistry. I really am passionate about chemistry, and I like to share that through my teaching. I want my students to get a sense of that enthusiasm, and I like to help my students develop their own identity as a scientist in my classes, I really like to do a lot of hands-on activities.
Phineas: What's your favorite thing about teaching?
Dr. Tenenbaum: I love sharing my enthusiasm for a subject that I love with students, especially if it’s the first time they’re learning chemistry. I think teaching a student’s first chemistry class is a wonderful opportunity because I love the subject so much, and if it’s taught in an interesting way, it can get students enthusiastic about it, and it can make the students really feel like they are a chemist, too.
Phineas: What's your favorite thing about this school?
Dr. Tenenbaum: The students here are really wonderful. A lot of them take their education very seriously, and they come into science class with an open mind and openness to learning, which I like. I also think the students here are very passionate about some of their extracurricular activities, which is inspiring.
Phineas: What classes have you taught other than chemistry?
Dr. Tenenbaum: I’m now teaching forensic science, and in the past, I’ve taught astronomy, as I have a background in astronomy. My graduate degree was in chemistry and astronomy. I’ve also taught environmental science.
Phineas: Is there anything you would like to say to the school at large?
Dr. Tenenbaum: Stop by and say hello! If you ever want to talk science, just pop in!
Quotes from Dr. Tenenbaum have been edited for clarity.