Teaching Science: Understanding Conceptual Change

Dr. Amy D'Amico serves as Division Director of Professional Services at the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), where she leads professional development and leadership initiatives since joining in 2013. Her extensive 20-year career in education began teaching middle school science in Cambridge Public Schools, Massachusetts, where she distinguished herself as a Middle Grade Science Teacher Leader. Her academic credentials include a BA in Biology with an Education minor from New York University, followed by MS and PhD degrees in Biology from Northeastern University. Before joining SSEC, she was a faculty member in Georgetown University's Biology Department and co-directed the RISE & Teach program for biology undergraduates teaching in DC Public Schools. Her expertise spans curriculum development and professional development, having collaborated with prestigious institutions including MIT, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, and the American Museum of Natural History. As Division Director, she oversees the development and implementation of strategic educational initiatives while continuing to serve as an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University, demonstrating her commitment to both K-12 and higher education.