Reading, PA – The Reading Science Center is excited to welcome Egon Cools as its new Director of Educational Programming. Before joining the Reading Science Center, Cools served as the Assistant Director at the Mary Francis Bachmann School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he contributed to teacher development, supported policy writing, and assisted with family communication, while also stepping into classrooms across grade levels when needed. Prior to this, he taught a combined 3rd and 4th grade classroom at the school, applying a Waldorf-inspired approach to student learning.
Earlier in his career, Cools held the position of Youth STEM Coordinator at the Reading Public Library. In this role, he designed and implemented monthly events, worked with community partners and schools to host educational programs, and developed lesson plans to support STEM learning across library branches. He began his teaching career in 2021 as a preschool teacher at Belmont Weekday School in Nashville, Tennessee.
Beyond his professional work, Cools has shared his time and talents with several organizations. He taught English as a Second Language at the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks and volunteered as a library and museum assistant in Nashville and Ithaca. Fluent in Spanish, Dutch, and Brazilian Portuguese, Cools brings the ability to connect with children and families from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, furthering the Reading Science Center’s mission to make STEM education accessible and welcoming to all.
As Director of Educational Programming, Cools will lead the development and delivery of the Reading Science Center’s educational initiatives, working to expand opportunities for children and families in Berks County.
“We are excited to welcome Egon Cools on board at the Reading Science Center. He will bring his own energy, creativity, and spark to the position of Director of Educational Programming,” says Executive Director Ralia Vardaxis. “He is a familiar face to the STEM community in Greater Reading through his programs at the Reading Public Library and brings leadership credentials as an educator from the Mary Francis Bachmann School in Lancaster. We look forward to introducing Egon to our many community partners.”
Cools holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies and English Literature from Bath Spa University in the United Kingdom, a Master of Arts in Gothic Literature from the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom, and will soon complete his Master of Science in Education with Teacher Certification from Albright College.
