Mary Zanotelli, or Mary, as she is known to her students, loves to be outside teaching kids about nature…which is a win-win for her and Innovations Academy (IA), a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego serving K-8 grades. She brings her wild (is the pun intended?) enthusiasm and we give her the space both inside and outside in our fabulous “backyard” to teach Nature Studies for our K-5th grade students and Environmental Science for 6th-8th grades. She is also hosting a Bees, Beetles & Bugs Summer Camp at Innovations Academy this summer!
Please tell us about your background and how you decided to found Innovations Academy.
I was working as a naturalist, leading field trips for students at various parks/nature centers/open space areas. I saw a job listing for a teaching assistant at a school in my neighborhood (Innovations Academy), and applied. My friends thought I was crazy, because I “don’t belong in a classroom.” The TA job lasted from March through June, so I gave it a try.
One day, the classroom teacher was absent, and I had to fill in. I decided to teach what I’m best at, nature, and the students loved it! I also got great feedback from parents, who said their children came home excited about what they had learned. I asked the director if she would consider having a class centered around the science of nature, and the following year, I developed Nature Studies. I’ve been teaching this class here for 10 years now, and love sharing my wonder of nature with children. I also started teaching Environmental Science for middle schoolers.
What do you LOVE about Innovations Academy? What sets it apart from other schools?
The students, of course! The best part of my role at IA is sharing my love of nature with students who are at an age of wonder. And the explorations programs. Plus, the director lets us run our own programs the way we see fit. She even authorizes payment for any materials we need as long as it benefits the students. I also appreciate the opportunities to learn better methods of teaching.
What are some events you enjoy at Innovations Academy?
I attend every play and event at IA to support the students and show my investment in the school. I have also tutored students.
How do you help students powerfully create their lives?
I introduce them to tools like journaling, asking questions, and observation that will help them in future tasks, and give them choices and agency as much as possible.
Examples of hands-on inquiry-based learning in your classroom?
Students have an opportunity to meet live animals up close and personal, and to discuss adaptations and habitats. I also have a Curiosity Corner, where students are allowed to explore and touch everything. I don’t answer their questions about what things are; instead, I allow them to wonder and question.
There are great social emotional learning activities and opportunities at Innovations Academy, how is this reflected in your classroom?
I give students a lot of respect, and treat them as individuals who just want to belong. My number one goal is to form a connection with each student.
Fun Facts About Mary:
- I have 8 reptiles, 2 mammals, 15 insects, and 1 arachnid as pets.
- I’ve worked with all kinds of interesting animals, from African Crested Porcupines to New Guinea singing dogs (you can see them at the San Diego Zoo!)
- I have a journalism degree, and am currently trying to publish my children’s book.
- I used to write for MTV, and used my press credential to meet many celebrities and musicians.
- I love to travel, and hope to move to Sydney, Australia one day.
Thanks Mary, what a unique and fulfilling role you play at Innovations Academy! You can find out more about Mary and other teachers here on our website. Check out more about our small, tuition-free K-8 and enroll today!
About Innovations Academy:
Innovations Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving kindergarten through eighth grade in San Diego, California. Our small school values a hands-on, inquiry-based education with high academic standards using self-expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful learning. Our new modern campus is intentionally designed with curiosity and exploration in mind. Join our innovative school today! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Find us at innovationsacademy.org.