Brianna Balke is a 2018-19 Teach Plus Rhode Island Teaching Policy Fellow. Brianna teaches physics and environmental science at Blackstone Academy in Pawtucket, RI where she is an advisor and coordinates a partnership with Recycle a Bike in Providence. Previously, she taught physics and neuroscience to high school students in Colorado. Brianna has been a part of a national network of teachers focused on improving math and science education as a fellow with the Knowles Teacher Initiative since 2012. She has collaborated with colleagues to lead a variety of professional development opportunities ranging from sessions at National Science Teachers Association and National Association of Biology Teachers to week-long workshops in Yosemite National Park focused on integrating outdoor learning with the Next Generation Science Standards. Brianna has also served as a mentor teacher and guest lecturer for the teacher education program at Brown University. She graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Neuroscience and completed her MAT in Secondary Science Education at Brown University.
