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Beakers bubbling, goggles secured and Petri dishes in place, students in Giselle Serafin’s seventh-grade science classroom at Columbia Middle School do not simply learn about science; they become scientists.

Whether exploring rock cycles, analyzing ecosystems, or conducting colorful chemistry experiments, Serafin’s students learn through discovery and hands-on fun. Her passion for helping every student see their scientific potential has now earned her recognition as a 2026 RAFT STEAM Teacher of the Year.

The award honors PreK–12 educators who go above and beyond to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences while fostering creativity, critical thinking and resilience.

“Ms. Serafin’s class is really interactive, and she’s extremely kind,” said Manny, an eighth-grade student at Columbia. “I enjoyed many of her units last year, like the population unit, the ice cream lab and our presentations on the rock cycle.”

Serafin has worked in education for approximately eight years and is beginning her fourth year teaching seventh-grade science at Columbia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UC Berkeley and her master’s degree in education from Stanford University.

Her teaching is guided by a central goal: ensuring students know that science belongs to them.

“I want every student to understand that they are a scientist, they are capable and they can pursue this field if it is something they want to do,” Serafin said. “Struggling in a previous science class or finding certain coursework challenging should never deter students from continuing to explore the subject. Those experiences do not define their abilities or determine what they can accomplish next.”

Through frequent labs, hands-on experiments and opportunities to work with scientific tools, Serafin helps students build confidence and prepares them to pursue challenging science and math courses in high school and beyond.

“I had Ms. Serafin last year, and her bright and bubbly personality really helped me get through the class and enjoy it,” said Ricelle, an eighth-grade student at Columbia. “I especially liked the chemistry unit.”

This year, Serafin plans to deepen the connection between science and students’ everyday lives. During Columbia’s ecosystems unit, students will investigate how people affect the environment and consider the influence they can have within their communities.

“Seventh graders have power,” Serafin said. “I want them to understand the impact individuals and communities can have, recognize the power they already hold and learn how they can advocate for meaningful change.”

Serafin also credited her Columbia colleagues for supporting her growth, including Instructional Coach Lindsay Choi, fellow science teachers Valerie Tran and Nansi Sin, English teacher Justin Shieh, and the school’s principals. Her dedication to students and collaborative approach have made this recognition a proud moment for the entire district.

“Congratulations to Ms. Serafin on this well-deserved honor,” said Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. “She brings the Sunnyvale Promise to life through rigorous, joyful learning experiences that recognize every student’s strengths, nurture their curiosity and help them see new possibilities for their future. We are proud to celebrate her exceptional teaching and the meaningful impact she makes each day.”

Photo Captions

SSD_RAFT1: Giselle Serafin, a seventh-grade science teacher at Columbia Middle School, has been named a 2026 RAFT STEAM Teacher of the Year. She will be recognized during RAFT’s annual event on September 17.