About Shoshana
Shoshana Leffler, an accomplished academic and educator, blends a profound expertise in chemistry and developmental genetics with a vibrant passion for teaching and community service. Born and raised in Bronx, NY, Shoshana exhibited early academic promise, earning recognition as a semifinalist in the prestigious 2005 Intel Science Talent Search during her high school years, and having her artwork published in notable publications.
Shoshana pursued an A.B. in Chemistry at Princeton University, followed by a Ph.D. in Developmental Genetics at New York University. Her doctoral research led to significant contributions in the field, including the development of a mathematical model that predicts childhood brain cancer occurrences, published in the Bulletin of Mathematical Biology.
In her professional career, Shoshana has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, working as a Chemistry Teacher at New Visions Charter School and the NYC Department of Education. She has redefined chemistry education by integrating real-world applications and inquiry-based learning, significantly improving student engagement and understanding. Her innovative approaches include using Elon Musk’s quest for better batteries as a teaching tool and managing a popular cooking/chemistry club that uses culinary concepts to explain chemical reactions.
A highlight of Shoshana’s teaching includes creating inquiry-based lesson plans in chemistry for Title 1 schools (schools in which children from low-income families make up at least 40 percent of enrollment). The inquiry-based lessons allow students to access the chemistry curriculum that is normally abstract and inaccessible.
News & Interviews
Revolutionizing Education with New York’s Shoshana Leffler
Shoshana Leffler: Championing Inquiry-Based Learning
Innovative Teaching Strategies: Lessons from Inquiry-Based Approach
Understanding the Cerebellum Math Model - A Deep Dive into Its Development and Applications
Bronx Educator Shoshana Leffler Revolutionizes STEM Education with Innovative Teaching Models
Inquiry-Based Learning in Title 1 Schools: Transforming High School Chemistry Education
The Influence of Natural Scenery on Meditation and Spiritual Practices
Real-World Applications of Chemistry in Title 1 Inquiry-Based Learning
Shoshana Leffler: Integrating arts into STEM education
How Art Enhances Learning in STEM Subjects
Blog
Simulating the Mind: Using Computer Science to Explore the Brain and Beyond
As an educator passionate about both science and technology, I’m always looking for innovative ways to connect students to real-world applications. One area that has captured both their curiosity and mine is the study of the brain through computer science. The human brain is the most complex “computer” we know,
AI in Everyday Life: Teaching Students About Artificial Intelligence’s Role Beyond the Classroom
Artificial Intelligence (AI) might sound like a complex and technical concept best left to scientists and engineers, but the reality is that AI has a growing presence in our everyday lives. Helping students understand AI’s influence in ways that are engaging, relevant, and easy to grasp is increasingly important. In
App Design for Social Good: Empowering Students to Solve Real-World Problems through Computer Science
In today’s digital age, computer science is no longer just about writing code—it’s about using technology as a tool to solve real-world problems. As an educator in a Title 1 school, I have had the privilege of teaching computer science and app design to students from underserved backgrounds, and it
Differentiation in STEM: Teaching Chemistry and Computer Science to Diverse Learners
As a STEM educator working in Title 1 schools, I’ve had the privilege—and the challenge—of teaching diverse groups of students. Many of them have special needs, and a significant number are English Language Learners (ELL). In these classrooms, the “one-size-fits-all” approach simply does not work. Instead, differentiation becomes not just