About Mrs. Tomm

​How long have you taught and what subjects do you currently teach?
My teaching career started in 1990 as a math and science teacher at Havana Junior High located in Havana, Illinois. Starting in 1994, I taught 7th Grade General Science, Accelerated Science, and Health . In 2003, I began teaching all the 8th grade science classes and two technology classes. In 2006, I began teaching Forensic Science as an activity class, which is now part of the regular 8th grade science curriculum. Starting in 2017, I teach all 7th & 8th grade science classes.  I also serve as our building's technology specialist, assist Mrs. McDaniel with the Scholastic Bowl team, and am coordinator for the school's garden, called the Nature Center. I have also been an officer (president and secretary) for the Havana Federation of Teachers. I also developed the Science Spot, an award-winning website for middle school science educators, that has been used by teachers around the world!

What is your educational background?
I graduated from Lewistown High School located in Fulton County, Illinois in 1986. In 1990, I earned my BS in Math and Science Education from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois and completed my Master's Degree at Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois, in May of 2012. I have been  involved with many professional development programs, including the  Student Assistance Program, Standards-Aligned Classroom Program, Area III Technology Grant, the GPS2GIS program, & the 4G STEM program through the Illinois University of Extension Office.

​What is your educational philosophy?
My classroom lessons and activities are created around the belief that children learn best by doing. Limiting science instruction to textbook readings and lectures limits the opportunities for learning. I choose to go beyond the traditional science classrooms of my past and provide a dynamic and engaging classroom environment focused on students that allows them to build a foundation of knowledge from which to build in high school and beyond.

What are your favorite things?
Colors - Red & purple (other than camo!)
Food - Hawaiian Chicken & Bacon
Candy - M&Ms (any variety, but the coconut ones are awesome!)
Soda - Diet Wild Cherry Pepsi or Diet Dr. Pepper
Celebrity  - Dwayne the "Rock" Johnson
Hobbies - Reading, fishing, hunting, gardening, crochet, & sewing

My most favorite thing to do is spending time with my kids and  grandkids ...

My husband, Mike, and I with all our kids on our wedding day

One of my biggest catches during a trip to Wisconsin

Professional Organizations 
National Science Teacher's Association
Havana Federation of Teachers, Illinois Federation of Teachers, and American Federation of Teachers
Illinois Alpha Delta Kappa