Hillary Gutierrez teaches elementary science in Dixon, Calif., where she loves getting messy in the classroom. She’s a firm believer that hands-on learning activities are key to the educational experience. She’s been teaching in the North Bay for 15 years, the majority of which she’s spent as an elementary school teacher — except for one brave year in middle school.

While studying at the University of California, Davis, Hillary discovered her love of teaching and has never looked back. After completing a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UCD, she earned her first teaching credential from California State University, Sacramento. She then went on to earn special-education certificates from the University of California, Los Angeles, a credential in geosciences from the University of California, Riverside, and a master’s degree in STEAM Education from the University of San Diego. Apparently, Hillary really likes to be in school.

Hillary inherited her love of science from her geologist father. She remembers talking about science on family road trips, going to conferences, and even learning how to drill wells. She hopes her love of science wears off on her students.

Outside the classroom, Hillary enjoys baking, reading, and enjoying life with her husband and four kids. She also enjoys spending time with her numerous pets, whom she collectively fondly refers to as “the zoo.”