Class of 2026: As an Earth science teacher, Linda Le carries forward the spirit of curiosity

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Linda Le's high school science teachers did more than instruct her. They supported her and inspired her to think about her future.

"I was drawn to the idea of helping students make sense of the world around them and see the relevance of science in their everyday lives," said Le, who will teach Earth science after graduating this spring from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education with her master's degree in teaching with a concentration in science education. "I wanted to create a classroom where students feel curious, capable and excited to explore how Earth's systems are connected."

From the Lorton area of Fairfax County, Le chose to attend VCU based on its diverse student body, strong education program, urban setting and vibrant culture.

"It made it feel like an exciting place to grow academically and personally," said Le, who in 2024 earned her bachelor's degree in environmental studies from VCU with a minor in psychology. "Those degrees allowed me to explore both the natural world and human behavior. Being at VCU has helped me develop not only as a student but also as a future educator who values inclusion and cultural awareness."

Intrigued by the prospect of teaching, Le reached out to associate professor of teaching and learning Elizabeth Edmondson, Ph.D., during her freshman year to learn more about the secondary education master's program.

"As a first-generation college student, I wanted to make sure I fully understood the pathway and requirements early on so I could plan my undergraduate coursework appropriately," Le said. "I wanted to be proactive about my future and ensure I was well-prepared for the transition into the graduate program and a career in science education."

Edmondson became Le's mentor and encouraged her to pursue a two-year HERO-T internship that supports science teachers in their research and professional development - "a pivotal experience in my growth as an educator," Le said.

Edmondson remembers her first conversation with Le.

"It reflected a thoughtful understanding of the profession and a genuine commitment to growth," Edmondson said. "Since that time, her actions have consistently demonstrated her dedication to becoming an excellent educator."

At VCU, Le has been involved with organizations including serving as president of the student chapter of the Virginia Education Association, which supports aspiring teachers. She also interned with the Asian American & Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions program.

In that spirit of teacher preparation, Le interned during the summers of 2023 and 2024 with a one-week STEM camp for high school students from across Richmond, which was part of her HERO-T experience. The camp exposed students to STEM-related careers they might not otherwise encounter.

Le has also mentored middle school students through academic and personal development guidance to help them bolster their learning and confidence. In front of her future classrooms, she looks forward to doing the same, with her VCU degrees framing her work.

"My time at VCU has been truly meaningful, filled with experiences that have shaped who I am today," Le said. "I can't wait to pursue my future endeavors and see where life takes me."