Meet Alyssa Guthrie of Arizona Science Clubs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Guthrie

Hi Alyssa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got started teaching science three and a half years ago, when I was studying creative writing and entrepreneurship through the Author Conservatory. As part of my studies, I needed to launch a pop-up business to learn marketing and business skills. At first I struggled to even find a business idea that I could see myself pursuing. Through the wisdom and guidance of my business coaches, I soon settled on the idea of teaching science. My first round of classes was a group of five students who I taught out of my house. Today, I teach over forty students throughout the East Valley.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were so many struggles! I struggled with self-doubt and how to find students who would fill up my classes. At one point, I wondered if I would be able to teach again after a summer of marketing that saw little success. I’ve wondered about which curriculums to use, and how to connect with students in a way that actually engages them. But every struggle has served to strengthen my determination as a business woman, as well as build resilience as a person.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Arizona Science Clubs?
Arizona Science Clubs is a weekly, hands-on, science class for elementary and middle school aged kids that focuses on labs and high energy teaching designed to help kids get excited about science and be opened up to the wonder of the world around them.

I am most proud of the ways that I’ve been able to help kids find joy in something that they already have an interest in. Because of my focus on labs rather than lectures, kids are able to experiment with things that they normally wouldn’t have a chance to until high school or beyond. Every kid deserves to know how much fun science can be. It’s not just a lecture, and it’s not just facts. It’s exploration.

What makes you happy?
Any time I get to explore and spend time in nature and see how the world works, it makes me immensely happy. God created the earth for us to explore, and one of the methods He gives us to do so is through science and experimentation, and that brings me a lot of happiness and joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://azscienceclubs.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azscienceclubs

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Rob K Photography