Faculty Spotlight: Alanna Yannelli

College/ Degrees: B.A. Ecology and Environmental Science, UMO; Masters in Teaching and Learning, University of Southern Maine

Years of service: 2

Subject(s:) Environmental Science

Other roles: School Garden, Envirothon Club co-lead, dabbling in outdoor programs.

Fun fact: We have two rescue dogs over 80 lbs each and a cat we found in the woods as a kitten.

Background you want to share? Mrs. Yannelli was born and raised in Maine. She attended college in Alaska and Bar Harbor before completing undergraduate work at UMaine-Orono. Her sister is a professor at UMaine, and her mother taught elementary school for 27 years. Her grandfather was a country doctor in Hiram who graduated from Fryeburg Academy. 

Why did you become a teacher? I took Environmental Science in high school, and it made me realize how exciting learning can be when you're curious, connected to your place, and your teacher cares deeply. Learning is lifelong, and my students teach me things every day. Plus, it was either teaching or going live in the woods, which is still a possibility...

What is your favorite class to teach and why? While each class is different, I genuinely enjoy any time we can be outside, discovering things and making connections. 

What are some adjectives to describe yourself as a teacher? Compassionate, genuine, humorous, supportive, and thoughtful.

How do you motivate your students? I make a concerted effort to connect with students and build a space where they feel seen, comfortable asking questions, and know that being uncomfortable and not knowing is important to our growth as learners. 

Is there anything from your experience as a student that has influenced you as a teacher? I had a teacher who made fun of every wrong answer, which led me to stop talking in classes. So, I try really hard to build discourse and discussion into class. I also do not like memorizing things to take a test, so I ask my students to engage, lean in, and use their thinking skills to build their knowledge and connections. 

Advice for students? Be curious. Ask questions. Work hard. Keep growing and learning, far beyond any grading.