Science

Allison Luzader, Physics
Ms. Luzader joins the KIPP Renaissance team as ninth-grade science teacher.  Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, it was during her high school years at Lake Park High School that she became interested in environment science and community action (Ms. Luzader credits Mr. Evans, her social studies teacher and the Earth Club sponsor, for spurring these passions).  Her zeal continued in college when she chose Crop Science (and Ecology) for her major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; as an undergraduate, she was president of Students for Environmental Concerns, the oldest student-run environmental club on campus.  While originally planning to own and operate her own organic farm after graduation, Ms. Luzader joined Teach For America and relocated to the Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas.  There, she taught ninth-grade biology and tenth-grade chemistry for the Mercedes Independent School District.  In her first year of teaching, she led her students to success, as evidenced by a 77% overall average on the final exam for coursework in the sciences.  While in Texas, Ms. Luzader joined the Texas Regional Collaborative for Science Teachers and participated in regular professional development and collaborative sessions with teachers across the Rio Grande region.  Fervent about science education, Ms. Luzader enjoys watching student reactions to exciting science demonstrations and lab activities.  Inspiring students to love science is one of her favorite parts of teaching.

Chris DeGiovanni, Chemistry
Mr. DeGiovanni (Mr. D) joins the KIPP Renaissance team as a new chemistry teacher. Mr. DeGiovanni’s originally found his passion for working with students during his years at Clemson University as a volunteer wrestling coach for D.W. Daniel High School. After graduating from Clemson Chris accepted a role with Merrill Lynch. For two years Chris worked persistently climbing the ranks to eventually become claims oversight manager. He is excited for his new opportunity to work with students again, this time in the classroom. Chris is a 2011 Teach for America Corps member who brings an unrelenting work ethic and high level of determination to KIPP Renaissance. Ultimately Mr. DeGiovanni is looking forward to the opportunity of helping KIPP Renaissance students become successful in college and beyond.