About Me

Anna Ward, M.S.

Owner and Instructor

I am a science educator with a background in marine biology, environmental research, and instruction across high school, community college, and university settings. 

At the center of my work is a simple goal: helping students build confidence as they learn and engage with the world around them.

I founded Saltwater Educational Services, L.L.C., to create a more personalized and flexible approach to learning, one that supports both academic growth and personal development.

Teaching Philosophy

My approach is student focused and highly individualized.

I work closely with students and families to create learning experiences that reflect each student’s strengths, challenges, and goals. I focus on:

• building confidence

• developing independence

• creating a supportive learning environment

Students are encouraged to ask questions, take risks, and grow at their own pace. Whether working through a complex scientific concept or learning new vocabulary, the goal is the same: helping each learner feel capable and supported.

Academic Background

My academic path reflects a strong foundation in both research and applied science.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of California, San Diego at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where I gained experience in laboratory research and coastal fieldwork.

I went on to earn a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Oregon, where my work focused on marine ecosystems and gelatinous zooplankton. My graduate education included participation in oceanographic research cruises and field-based research in dynamic marine environments.

I later completed a Graduate Certificate in Community College Instruction from East Carolina University, with a focus on effective, student-centered teaching practices.

Experience & Expertise

My experience spans both education and scientific research, with a focus on helping students understand and apply what they are learning.

This includes: 

• teaching high school and college level science courses

• breaking down complex concepts into clear, approachable explanations

• guiding students through scientific inquiry, data analysis, and experimental design

• supporting a wide range of learners, from foundational to advanced levels

• connecting scientific concepts to real world systems and applications

I bring both academic and practical perspectives into my teaching so students understand not just the content, but its relevance.

Professional Recognition

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention

• NFIB NC Leadership Council Young Entrepreneur Award

• UC San Diego Research Scholar

• UC San Diego EducationCorps Spirit of Service Award

• AP Scholar with Honor

A Lifelong Connection to Science and the Natural World

My work has always been rooted in a strong connection to the natural world, particularly aquatic and environmental systems. Through my academic training and research experience, I have studied marine ecosystems, participated in field based research, and explored how biological systems function across different environments. This perspective shapes how I teach, grounding scientific concepts in real world context and application.

Across all programs, my goal is to create structured, supportive environments where students can build skills, gain confidence, and make meaningful progress. I focus on helping each student move forward with clarity, independence, and a stronger sense of capability.