Ariana Kay
Ariana Kay’s journey began on the vibrant Caribbean island of Grenada, where she earned her Associates Degree in Natural Sciences from T.A. Marryshow Community College in 2002. After teaching Physics and Mathematics for two years, she moved to the United States to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biology from Midwestern State University. Despite initial challenges in securing research roles as an international student, Ariana found her calling in education. She taught at City View High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, from 2011 to 2014, and then spent five impactful years from 2014 to 2019 at Crosby High School in Houston, teaching Physics and AP Environmental Science, during which she was named the Science Teachers Association of Texas High School Teacher of the year in 2018.
In 2019, Ariana married and moved to Refugio High School, where she gained valuable leadership experience as the district science coordinator and instructional coach while continuing to teach until 2023. She currently teaches Engineering Science and Engineering Design and Presentation at Aledo High School. Ariana serves on the executive board of the Science Teachers Association of Texas and works with Amplify Education and Prosolve to train educators and students in STEM. Her contributions to the Texas Education Agency in reviewing science materials and developing STAAR testing blueprints highlight her dedication to advancing science education in Texas and across the United States.