Rebecca Sorensen

Stoichiometry, synthesis reactions, and solutes might not be everyone’s ideal way to begin their day, and, believe it or not, chemistry teacher Rebecca Sorensen prefers to start her day a different way as well. 

It isn’t until her early morning run that she dives into teaching those lucky enough to have her as an Honors or AP Chem teacher.

“Mrs. Sorensen has so much energy and enthusiasm for teaching and just for life in general,” junior Sarah Patel said. 

“I remember she told me she gets up at 3:30 AM every morning and goes on a 10-mile run before school starts. I find it so inspiring how she makes the most out of each day.”

Chemistry mixed with the struggles of everyday life can be stressful for anyone. However, much of that stress is relieved as Mrs. Sorensen–in a very stylish outfit–is always there to greet you at the door, radiating a sense of comfort. 

She never fails to display her enthusiasm for chemistry in class. Students say that they can hear her teaching her lessons from the rooms next door and all the way down the halls. This simply highlights the passion she has for teaching and the effort she puts in to make her class an engaging environment for everyone.  

“She has always been so motivating and has made class really enjoyable even when it is difficult,” junior Maeve Chylstek said. “I had both her last year for Chem Honors and this year for AP Chem and I have never been bored. You can always count on hearing hilarious stories about her dogs.” 

While much of her heart belongs to her students, she holds her two bulldogs, Lil’ Miss Nastay and Señorita Cerdita, very dear to her.

Whether it’s a witty story or an adorable picture of them, Mrs. Sorensen always finds a way to bring her love for her pets into the classroom, while at the same time lifting the spirits of her students, especially ones who are dog-lovers like herself.

“Overall, Mrs. Sorensen just has a very effective way of teaching by mixing in labs and fun activities to make the class more dynamic and engaging,” senior Robin Kokke said.“She has such a bubbly, energetic personality that makes learning about chemistry more bearable!”