STEM Teacher Spotlight: Mariccia’s Journey

When a Kansas City-area school district needed a passionate and knowledgeable STEM teacher, they reached out to Mariccia Spearman-Kaki, a local community member with a strong science and healthcare background and a natural ability to teach.

She didn’t plan to become a teacher, but Mariccia’s talent for explaining complex topics had long been noticed by others. “People told me I made learning more understandable and interesting,” she says. When the opportunity to teach science arose, she embraced it and quickly discovered a passion that would shape her future.

Becoming a Certified STEM Teacher

In need of certification, Mariccia was told about Teachers Like Me—an organization dedicated to recruiting, developing, and retaining Black teachers in public schools. That connection led her to American Board. “It was the most accessible route for me,” she explains. “After being in school for so long, the last thing I wanted was to go back again.” Confident in her subject knowledge but seeking support in pedagogy, she found the perfect balance in Teachers Like Me. The organization provided mentorship and guidance alongside her certification process.

Within just four months, Mariccia became a certified STEM teacher—ready to bring science to life for her students.

Beyond the Classroom: Leading With Passion and Purpose

Now a full-time teacher and coach, Mariccia starts her day greeting her student-athletes before channeling her energy into the classroom. She explains, “My students say, ‘You have the most energy in the classroom!’ and I tell them, ‘Because science is fun!’” Mariccia continues, “I’m pretty theatrical in my teaching style and always try to relate lessons to everyday stories or real-life situations.” Her ability to relate science lessons to everyday experiences to help students connect with the material.

In 2024, Mariccia was honored as Teacher of the Year at her school. Her accomplishments are wide-reaching: she launched a schoolyard garden that provides students with fresh vegetables, revived a dormant cheer team, expanded science electives, and organized a cadaver lab visit to give anatomy students a firsthand look at human biology. Her healthcare background informs how she teaches, with an emphasis on helping students build real-world skills.

Deep Community Roots

Mariccia’s story is a powerful example of what it means to grow from the community to the classroom. She volunteers locally, attends the same church she grew up in, tends her garden, coaches, and is a proud wife and mother of two boys. Her life and work reflect a deep investment in the place she calls home.

“Some days are hard,” she admits. “But there are just as many days when I’m excited to walk into the classroom. My students are what keep me going.” That connection—rooted in both passion and place—is what makes her such an impactful educator.

Your Community

If you’re ready to bring your knowledge, energy, and love for learning into the classroom—just like Mariccia did—American Board’s flexible, affordable certification program can help you get there. Whether you’re already working in education or making a career change, our program is designed to meet you where you are and prepare you to thrive as a certified teacher in your community. Start your journey today and take the first step from the community to the classroom.

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025

Mariccia has been featured as one of four program graduates who truly embody the theme From the Community to the Classroom. Meet the other featured graduates below.

• Suzanne Crisp, who had long been a part of the school community, pursued teaching and expanded her reach far beyond the classroom.
• Mariccia Spearman-Kaki transitioned from the health sector to new teacher, to local Teacher of the Year.
• Steven Ness, 2024 American Board Teacher Appreciation Week Scholarship recipient details the work he’s doing since receiving his certification.

STEM Teacher: FAQs

• What does a STEM teacher mean? What is the meaning of STEM teaching? STEM teachers are those in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Often, when we think of STEM teachers, we think of high school teachers specializing in one specific subject such as algebra or biology. It’s worth noting, however, that elementary teachers offer STEM lessons as well!
• What degree do you need to teach STEM? Many STEM teachers have degrees and professional experience in STEM fields, but that isn’t required. In Missouri and other states, alternative certification allows for people with any background to teach STEM so long as they can pass required subject-area and teaching exams.
• Do STEM teachers get paid more? STEM teachers are always in need because the subject-area exams can be difficult to pass. Therefore, STEM teachers often come in with a higher starting salary.