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Hey there! I’m Lisa Decker, a passionate science educator with over 10 years of experience teaching science in New York State.

I specialize in helping students build critical thinking and data analysis skills through engaging, standards-aligned teaching and tutoring in Earth and space science.

Teaching Experience

Over the past ten years, I’ve taught general science, Regents Earth and Space Science, and engaging science electives such as Astronomy and Paleontology at both the middle and high school levels.

Tutoring Experience

Throughout my teaching career I’ve tutored students in Earth and Space Science using individualized instruction tailored to each learner’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. My personalized approach creates meaningful learning experiences that build confidence, deepen understanding, and help students thrive academically.

Professional Development

I have also attended a variety of professional development over the last decade with a focus on developing engaging curriculum and assessments for a variety of learners and learning types. Most recently I have focused on developing effective instruction for the the newly implemented New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) for Earth and Space Science.

NYSSLS Earth and Space Science Exam

The new NYSSLS-based Earth and Space Science Regents exam represents a major shift from the traditional focus on memorization and reference table application to an emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, and real-world problem solving. Instead of simply recalling facts, students are now asked to engage with complex scenarios that reflect authentic global challenges, such as climate change, resource management, and the long-term impacts of human activity on Earth’s systems. The exam encourages systems thinking and the recognition of feedback loops, requiring students to understand how Earth’s interconnected systems interact with each other and with human actions. Additionally, students explore Earth’s place in the universe through phenomena-based questions that integrate astronomy and planetary science. This shift aims to prepare students not just for a test, but for meaningful participation in addressing the environmental and scientific issues that shape our world. My tutoring and teaching is designed to reflect this shift in expectations in order to best prepare students to be successful