Steven Nowell

Secondary chemistry and science teacher
Ex materials scientist developing ceramic rocket skins for NASA

“As a science teacher I aim to enthuse students about science and how it illuminates all aspects of our lives. I want them to see the brilliant opportunities for them if they choose to work in science.”

Stephen describes his early career as ‘from rocks to rockets’. He took his Masters degree in geology and moved into materials science developing high temperature-compatible materials for rocket skins, working for NASA. After six years in the USA Stephen and his wife returned to New Zealand for family reasons. “There were no rocket research jobs going here so I had to make a change in career direction!”

What does Stephen miss about living in the USA? “We were based in Arizona. I miss the desert – it gets into your soul. I miss the wide-open spaces and big skies. And we used to pop down to Mexico every couple of weeks and lie on a beach with a marguerita. There were so many great places to travel to.”

Stephen says he’s always wanted to teach but other exciting opportunities had intervened. After a year at Auckland College of Education, Stephen is now a secondary science and maths teacher in his fifth year at Epsom Girls Grammar in Auckland.

Stephen teaches at all levels of the school and says each has different rewards. “Field trips are great. Students get hands on experience and there are opportunities to enthuse them about science. Teaching junior science is great because we give students a taste of all the sciences and make it relevant to their interests and lives. Senior science teaches students to solve problems in a logical way and to test ideas scientifically.”

“I love teaching science, especially the practical side. I look forward to chances to get out of my lab and into the field.”
Stephen says that girls flourish in a girls-only school, and teaching them is easy. “However, I do feel that boys are being hard done by in education at the moment and good male teachers can make a real difference to their educational achievement as role models.”