My name is Maria Surma and this is my fifth year teaching at Barker Middle School.  I have taught both science and math at Barker.  I graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education then taught chemistry and physical science at high schools in Indianapolis, LaCrosse, and North Judson.  I earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Purdue University and taught the Elementary Science Methods course at Purdue University North Central for ten years.  Most recently I taught elementary science and seventh grade math at St. John’s Lutheran School in LaPorte.  I live in LaPorte with my husband Dave and our daughters Zoe and Amelia.