A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a navy blazer over a white top, and a delicate necklace, standing against a neutral gray background.

About Me

Hi, I’m Dr. Sheri Preston.

I’m a high school physics teacher with over 18 years of classroom experience, and I specialize in helping students succeed in AP Physics 1 and AP Physics C—especially when the math starts to feel overwhelming.

I hold a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in Global STEM Education, along with a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Science. Throughout my career, I’ve focused not just on teaching physics, but on understanding how students learn it best and where they tend to struggle most.

My Experience

I currently teach AP Physics C (Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism), AP Physics 2, and regular physics at Community High School District 218 in Illinois, where I’ve been teaching since 2008. I will be teaching AP Physics 1 again in the 2026-2027 school year.

In addition to the classroom, I’ve:

  • Mentored student researchers through Argonne National Laboratory’s Exemplary Student Research Program

  • Helped students design and carry out real scientific research using professional lab equipment

  • Taught ACT science preparation and summer physics programs

  • Worked with students across a wide range of ability levels, including special education settings

What Makes My Teaching Different

Over the years, I’ve seen a consistent pattern: Students don’t struggle with physics because they’re “bad at science”; they struggle because their math foundation isn’t yet solid, and they’ve never encountered physics-style problems before.

That’s why my approach focuses on:

  • Building the math skills needed before students feel lost

  • Breaking down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps

  • Giving students confidence so they can tackle challenging problems independently

I don’t just teach students how to get the right answer—I teach them how to think like a physicist.

Credentials & Recognition

  • Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction STEM Education, Texas Tech University

  • M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Certificate of Advanced Study in Science (45 graduate hours), University of La Verne

  • B.A. Chemistry, Cum Laude, and also studied Physics & Secondary Education, North Central College

I’ve also been recognized nationally for my teaching, including:

  • NSTA Northrop Grumman Excellence in Engineering Education Award (2018)

  • Multiple STEM lesson design awards through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science & Education (ORISE)

  • Project Step-Up Ambassador (2023-2024) and Advocate (2024-2025)

  • Presented at several national science teaching & educational research conferences

Why I Started This Program

I created this program because I kept seeing capable, hardworking students walk into AP Physics unprepared for the math and quickly lose confidence and motivation. I also see students graduate from high school unprepared for the demands of college-level science and engineering courses.

With the right preparation and support, those same students can thrive.

My goal is simple:
Help students walk into AP Physics feeling prepared, confident, and capable.

My instructional philosophy is grounded in the belief that understanding how students learn must drive curriculum and pedagogical decisions. My doctoral dissertation focused on how students think in physics, examining how they solve problems and conceptualize concepts. Accordingly, I intentionally integrate learning theories – including constructivism, operant conditioning, dual coding theory, and cognitive load – into collaborative, technology-enhanced learning environments to make physics make sense.

Work With Me
Work With Me

  • "Being in Dr. Preston's AP Physics 1, 2, and C classes from my junior to senior years (2023-2025) was an incredibly rewarding experience. Every day, she pushed us to think critically and challenged us to approach problems the way engineers do in the real world. Having that kind of exposure early in my educational journey has helped me tremendously, especially now as I study engineering at UIUC. Being introduced to such a complex subject as physics at a high level made it much easier to keep pace with my professors and has played a major role in my success in my current physics courses. What stood out most to me was how much Dr. Preston genuinely cares about each of her students - she is deeply invested in their success and in helping them build meaningful, successful careers."

    —Valente, former student

  • "Dr. Preston was always a teacher who had multiple ways to teach something if we didn't understand the subject. She had a passion for physics that was pretty obvious. Her soft demeanor yet strict rules really created a comforting environment that made it okay not to know how to do the equations. I took a lot of teachings into my own classroom (not a teacher now) and they were the best things I could create a classroom environment like Dr. Preston's"

    Maria, former student

  • "Even though I was awful at physics, I learned the most from Dr. Preston. She's a great teacher and very patient with the subject being taught. She's very passionate about what she does and I could definitely see it."

    Gina, former student

  • "As a current Cummins Mechanical Engineer Technician at the world HQ, I use what I learned in Dr. Preston's classes almost every day! From energy conversion, measurements, and overall science practices, like data logging and application of mechanical principles! She cares about her subject and students and can teach in a fun and lightweight style. Side note, she did make me stand up in class a lot for being sleepy!"

    Robert, former student

  • Dr. Preston showed me real world examples and how it applies to ME! It was not just formulas and information just thrown at us. She showed us WHAT we were learning, WHY we were learning it, and then we APPLIED it to our lives. That is honestly what helped me so much. Dr. Preston was very fun, and very fair. I recall having to make up a test and she was so kind, caring, and understanding. I missed some of the info that was on the test and she took the time to explain it to me so I understood before I attempted the test and failed. Dr. Preston made sure I was prepared.

    Hailey, former student

  • "Currently an engineer with Virgin Galactic! Dr. Preston was influential to my aerospace career! I use many of the principles taught in the class in my day to day."

    Courtney, former student