Before that, Serach was a science teacher at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, for 20 years. He has taught biology, chemistry, and a number of electives including courses in microbiology, geology, tropical biology, marine science, and limnology. Most of his courses include significant laboratory and field components. He was involved in redesigning the Lawrence Academy science curriculum with emphases on skills development and genuine inquiry, and a content goal of achieving scientific literacy in all students. He held a New York State teaching certification in biology, chemistry, and general science from State University College in Buffalo, New York.