By: Lanie Roberts
After ending last semester with a series of different substitute teachers, SHS hired a new science teacher to start the second semester. Elizabeth Lowden is the new integrated chemistry and physics teacher. She is originally from Bagdad, a small town about 30 minutes from Louisville.
Lowden went to college first at Eastern Kentucky University, before transferring to Indiana University Southeast. She knew she wanted to be a teacher as a child. She was passionate about learning to be a critical thinker, believing that critical thinking can help students succeed in anything they want to do.
“I used to line up my stuffed animals and force them to learn about the weather,” Lowden said. “As an adult, I teach because I honestly believe that education can make a difference in the world.”
Lowden was inspired by her college professor, Dr. Bradford Griggs, at IUS. She said that he teaches teachers how to teach. He used his enthusiasm and excitement about the career to inspire Lowden to be a better teacher.
“Many of my high school teachers were inspirational humans who wanted the best for their students,” Lowden said.
She has always loved science and used to love watching the weather and learning about hurricanes and tornadoes. She later moved to loving biology and then finally ICP.
“ICP is fun because it's very hands-on and there's a ton of opportunity to work in lab groups,” Lowden said.
An interesting fact about Lowden is that she grew up in a very old haunted house. She enjoys going to Hobby Lobby to do arts and crafts. She also enjoys hanging out with her family and two labradores, Evie and Pepper.
“I'm excited to be teaching at Salem High School,” she said. “I can't wait to get to know the community better.”
Principal Troy Albert said that it is always difficult to find someone mid year. Luckily this year it was easy to find someone that fit the bill. He said Lowden was able to “fill the void that was left with the sudden resignation.
“Salem Schools tried to put the best person in the position to meet the needs of all students.”