Hannah Korslund

Hannah Korslund, Burlingame’s newest chemistry teacher, is looking to begin the next chapter of her young career by pursuing her passion for science and education.

“I wanted to combine my love for kids with how much I liked chemistry by becoming a chemistry teacher,” Korslund said. Outside the classroom, she is an athlete and coaches Burlingame’s junior varsity girls’ volleyball team. 

Korslund grew up in England and Switzerland and is a citizen of both countries. She attended Johns Hopkins University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. However, her time at Johns Hopkins also fostered another passion: her love for volleyball. 

 “You have to rely on your team, so [volleyball] teaches you to think about things bigger than yourself,” Korslund said.

Korslund won four Centennial Conference championships at Johns Hopkins, but in her senior year, the team went undefeated and ultimately won a national championship. 

“It was cool to see my whole [volleyball] career end like that, and it gave me leadership skills that I bring into coaching,” Korslund said.

Korslund’s first real teaching experience was at the non-profit College Possible, which helps low-income and first-generation high school students attend college and achieve their career goals. 

“I lucked into a summer job teaching science and fell in love,” Korslund said. “I love interacting with kids and designing experiences for them to learn science in meaningful ways.”

After working at College Possible, Korslund attended graduate school at Stanford University to get her Master of Arts in Chemistry. Last year, Korslund taught at Half Moon Bay High School, but the transition to Burlingame was easy and fulfilling for her. 

“It’s been great learning what students are passionate about,” she said. “I’ve loved coaching and supporting our student-athletes by attending games. They’ve made it very easy to be new here.”

Korslund still plays plenty of volleyball and connects with her colleagues by competing in staff basketball games on Fridays.

Both in the classroom and on the volleyball court, Korslund cannot wait to see how the school year unfolds. To her, the most fulfilling part of the job is seeing students grow through their discoveries.

“Teaching is an opportunity to learn from and with my students,” she said. “I love hearing ideas students have about science and seeing how they change throughout the year. I want them to have a good time and know they’re valued in class.”