Dr Denise Quiroz Martinez

I am a teacher of chemistry and biology from Chile, and I am registered in Secondary Education – Biology with Science and Secondary Education – Chemistry with Science by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). As a teacher I am dedicated to developing students’ scientific skills and nurturing their curiosity. During my teaching career, I have had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of age groups and in varied schools in Chile. I have taught curious minds aged 5-10, fostering their early interest in science education, nurturing their inquisitiveness and laying a solid foundation in science. With older learners, I have taught biology (14-18 years) and have also taught general science and chemistry to both primary and secondary students (9-17 years), with an emphasis on experimentation and outdoor learning. Each experience has enriched my teaching practice, reinforcing my commitment to ensure science education is engaging, accessible, and impactful for primary and secondary school students. During my Ph.D. in Science Education (Institute of Education, University College London), I continued my learning journey through Education for Sustainability and Science Education. My doctoral research explored how Chilean chemistry teachers integrate sustainability into chemistry teaching, while also recognising a range of challenges and benefits for classroom-based teaching. Identifying a possible connection between sustainability and science teaching is a challenge that requires critical reflection on classroom realities and teachers’ practices. Notably, this research and academic experience supports me to collaborate with researchers focusing on curriculum, professional learning and environmental and sustainability education in Chile and abroad. I welcome inquiries and collaboration related to teacher education and agency, science education, and environmental and sustainability education (ESE).

Teacher agency Learning for sustainability Education for sustainability Chemistry education Socio Scientific Issues (SSI) Interdisciplinary perspective for teaching Teacher initial and professional development Teacher Education