Rosemarie Tunick

Ireton's Tunick Is 'Popular Science Buff'

By Alfonso Aguilar
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 2/22/07)

Recently, science teacher Rosemarie Tunick from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria was recognized in the College Board's AP Report to the Nation, noting that the school has one of the strongest Advance Placement (AP) Biology programs in Virginia.
AP Biology is a course taken by high school students in order to gain credit for introductory college level.
“I always liked science. I like to use my hands to see science, to dissect a frog, to see bacteria through the microscope, to witness the real world,” said Tunick. “Science is facts.”
Tunick teaches biology to nearly 130 students out of the 800 that attend the school founded and still led by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.
“This is very great school. Kids are great, people are great. The school is a good place to work,” said Tunick.
She said she encourages students to pursue a science career given the wide job opportunities in the market.
“Science is difficult, but it is rewarding. It’s not boring. I teach kids that science is there for them.”
In addition to books and the school’s educational materials, Tunick said she often asks her students to bring to classes clips of science news from newspapers, magazines and journals.
“The idea is to share and discuss new information in an interactive atmosphere, science in general, not only biology. They enjoy these news reports so much.”
For example, the news last year about the demotion of Pluto’s status from planet to mere asteroid was a major story in the school’s online newsletter.
Regarding the controversy, Tunick was quoted as saying that she was highly disturbed by the demotion.
“For the last 29 years I have always taught that there were nine planets. I even remember making a diorama when I was younger with the nine planets using a coat hanger. Pluto was my basis of astrological knowledge.”
The newsletter called Tunick “a popular science buff.”
Tunick was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in medical technologist from Florida State University and a master’s degree in education from George Mason University in Fairfax.
Prior to her current job, which she began three years ago, Tunick said she had many jobs, one as a medical technician in a hospital.
Tunick, who lives in Annandale with her husband, Wayne, retired Navy, and four children, now wants to get her doctorate in science education and curricula.
“That’s the plan,” she said.
Bishop Ireton High School is a college preparatory high school that promotes spiritual, intellectual, creative, scientific, technological, social and physical development.
As a Salesian community of learning, Ireton challenges students to recognize and respect the multicultural diversity within our global society. In addition, the school fosters Christian ethics, religious values and community service. An Ireton education teaches students to think critically and develops the whole person to meet present and future challenges and opportunities.