Awards & Recognition

Carlson Named to Teach Plus 2024 National Policy Board

2020 Knowles Teaching Fellow Tess Carlson will join the highly selective second cohort of the Teach Plus National Policy Advisory Board. During the year-long program, Tess and 17 other teachers will inform Teach Plus policy decisions at the federal level. Read more about the board.

Swanagan Named 2023 Teacher of the Year

Knowles Senior Fellow Brian Swanagan was named Floyd County School College & Career Academy Teacher of the Year. Brian teaches mathematics at his high school, dual-enrollment courses with nearby universities, and a countywide, online AP computer science course.

Milks Voted 2024 President-Elect of NABT

Knowles Senior Fellow Kirstin Milks is the new President-Elect of the National Association of Biology Teachers. Kirstin will serve as President-Elect, President, and Past President in 2024, 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Lin and Perry Published in Learning Forward

An article written by Joyce Lin, Knowles Senior Program Officer for Teacher Development, and Ayanna Perry, Knowles Associate Director for the Teaching Fellows Program, was published in the February 2022 issue of Learning Forward.

Read their article, entitled Should groups set their own norms? Maybe not, to see why they disagree with a common practice related to establishing group norms.

Abeita and Maddux Named 2021 Outstanding Biology Teachers by NABT

Knowles Senior Fellows Sara Abeita and John Maddux were named as 2021 Outstanding Biology Teacher awardees for the states of Kansas and Missouri, respectively, by the National Association of Biology Teachers. Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program attempts to recognize an outstanding biology educator (grades 7-12 only) in each of the 50 states; Washington, DC; Canada; Puerto Rico; and overseas territories. A major portion of the nominee’s career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science, and candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, and student-teacher relationships.

Read their biographies and personal statements.

On November 13, 2021, Knowles Senior Fellows Sara Abeita, Jonathan Bower and Erika Mitkus will demonstrate two new NGSS-aligned lesson plans on Galapagos iguana speciation and the impacts of invasive species at the 2021 National Association of Biology Teachers Professional Development Conference from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. in room M303. Their demonstration—Beyond The Finches: New Phenomena from the Galapagos—is connected to a free multidisciplinary resource bank they built alongside other Knowles Fellows.

Visit www.teachkelp.com to learn more.

La Mar Co-authored Article with Advisor

An article written by Knowles Senior Fellow Tanya La Mar and her advisor, Jo Boaler, “The Importance and Emergence of K–12 Data Science,” was published by Phi Delta Kappan on July 12, 2021. Tanya is currently a Ph.D. candidate in mathematics education at Stanford University.

Read their article.

Granados Named 2021 NABT Outstanding New Biology Teacher

Enya Granados, a 2018 Knowles Teaching Fellow, was named winner of the 2021 Outstanding New Biology Teacher Achievement Award sponsored by Pearson, the Neil A. Campbell Educational Trust and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). This award recognizes outstanding teaching (grades 7–12 only) by a “new” biology/life science instructor within his/her first three years of teaching who developed an original and outstanding program or technique, and made a contribution to the profession at the start of his/her career. Granados—a biology teacher at Alabama Connections Academy—will be recognized at the  NABT Professional Development Conference that will be held in Atlanta in November 2021.

Read more about her selection.

Snarsky Poetry Published

Light-Up Swan, the first full-length collection of poems written by 2016 Knowles Teaching Fellow Tom Snarsky, was published in May 2021 by Ornithopter Press. His poetry was in part inspired by mathematical ideas and his experience working as a math teacher.

Read more about the collection. 

Narasimhan Named as 2021 Lindback Awardee

2017 Knowles Teaching Fellow Swetha Narasimhan was named as a winner of a 2021 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Sponsored by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching honors 60 teachers from Philadelphia public schools who demonstrate excellence in promoting learning at the highest levels.  Awardees are chosen based on their efforts to improve the intellectual and character development of students. At a spring recognition ceremony, the awardees receive $3,500.

Read more here. 

Noble Named Partner in Excellence by Mass Insight Education & Research

Knowles Teaching Fellow Grace Noble was named a Partners in Excellence Teacher by Mass Insight Education & Research for her  work in their Advanced Placement STEM and English Program. She is one of 16 Massachusetts AP Teachers who was recognized for their contributions to student success during the 2019–2020 school year. This is particularly noteworthy given the COVID-19 pandemic and because it was Grace’s first year teaching AP Biology.

Broussard Contributes to A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction

Knowles Senior Fellow Jessica Broussard, in collaboration with other content developers, feedback advisors, and design consultants, created a curriculum titled, “A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction.” Their “5 Strides” toolkit provides resources and guidance for educators to support Black, Latinx, and multilingual students in grades six to eight. Additionally, it provides multiple access points for educators as they navigate the individual and collective journey from equity to anti-racism. 

View their resources here.

Two Fellows selected for HHMI BioInteractive Ambassador Academy

Knowles Senior Fellows Brittany Franckowiak and Jim Lane were selected to participate in the 2020–2023 HHMI BioInteractive Ambassador Academy. The 30 selected high school and undergraduate educators will serve in a professional development program designed to grow the Ambassador community. “Cohort members will participate in a research-based professional development pathway focused on building professional learning leadership capacity,” their website explains. Upon completion of the Academy, Brittany and Jim will join the Ambassador community as program advisors, and contribute to BioInteractive content as developers, reviewers, and field testers. 

Read more about the program and view the 2020–2023 Ambassador Academy members here.

Vanhala Published in Educational Leadership 

An article written by Knowles Senior Fellow Michelle Vanhala was published in the September 2020 issue of Educational Leadership. Her article, “How I Revamped My Grading System,” “reflects on her path to finding a grading system that reflects her educational philosophy.” Michelle’s article questions grading in the educational system and a teacher’s role in that system. 

Read Michelle’s article here.

Valdez Awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year

Knowles Teaching Fellow Sara Valdez was selected as a Los Angeles Unified School District Rookie Teacher of the Year for 2020. Sara is one of 17 teachers to receive this honor based on her ability to exemplify effectiveness in preparing and delivering instruction, promotion of a positive classroom climate with strong routines and procedures, use of a dynamic and engaging teaching style, and demonstration of high levels of professionalism.

Reid named District Teacher of the Year

Knowles Teaching Fellow Anthony Reid has been selected as the New Castle (DE) County Vo-Tech School District Teacher of the Year for 2021. District teachers of the year have the respect and admiration of their colleagues and are experts in their field who guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence. They collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success; deliberately connect the classroom to the community at large; demonstrate leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls; and express themselves in an engaging and articulate way.

Clausen Named Teacher of the Year

In spring 2020, Knowles Senior Fellow Rachel Clausen was named Teacher of the Year at Lee High School and within her pyramid group—a smaller group of secondary schools within the  region as defined by Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominated by a colleague, she instills in students a desire to learn and achieve, understands the individual needs of students, and demonstrates a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share it effectively with students.

Shirey Supports Teachers’ Transition to Teaching Remotely

Knowles Senior Fellow and Academy Program Officer Katey Shirey is working with Virginia teachers to support their remote teaching. In her recent blog post, she discusses creating a final project for their integrated STEM course. Their projects will give students an opportunity to “show the utility of the knowledge they’ve been constructing all year long,” Katey explained. Check out her blog post: https://www.edukatey.com/videos-and-blogs/.

Teng Uses Current Events to Support Remote Teaching

In these unprecedented times, teachers are modifying their practice to find ways to teach their students outside the four walls of a classroom. Knowles Fellow Lawrence Teng is supporting his students by utilizing resources like Socrative to quickly create short surveys and gather data from students; Khan Academy to use as a review and an extension of his teaching; and Padlet to provide a public space for students to respond to questions, see, and react to each other’s thinking. He also is incorporating data about the coronavirus into his math classes. “Some of the responses that I got on the Padlet from my geometry students are pretty amazing in terms of what they have learned from the videos about what they should do to slow the spread of coronavirus,” Lawrence said. Check out his Google Site for ideas and lessons: tinyurl.com/metwestmath.

Tedaldi Supports Students While Teaching Remotely

How are Knowles Fellows supporting their students while practicing social distancing? In a way students know best: Social media! Using resources from the Facebook group, AP Chemistry Teachers, Knowles Fellow Anthony Tedaldi is supporting his students on Instagram with posts, videos and lessons while teaching remotely. “We are all investing time and energy to support each other,” Anthony said. Check him out on Instagram @mrchemistryteacher.

Vanhala named 2020 Michigan Teacher of Promise

Knowles Senior Fellow Michelle Vanhala was named the 2020 Michigan Teacher of Promise and was honored at the Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) Annual Conference Awards Banquet on March 6, 2020. She was awarded the Teacher of Promise award for, “innovative teaching strategies, demonstrating the potential for science leadership, and exhibiting a passion for science and for teaching,” according to the MSTA. 

See all 2020 award winners here.

Three Knowles Fellows Receive Hollyhock Fellowships

Knowles Fellows Kylie Bertram, Cassie Seiboldt, and Brittany O’Brien were selected as 2020 Hollyhock Fellows. The Hollyhock Fellowship Program supports high school teachers from across the country who are interested in deepening and developing their content-specific instructional practices and creating equitable access and opportunities for all learners in their classrooms. The Fellowship is a two-year experience consisting of two components each year: summer professional learning at Stanford University and virtual coaching during the school year. Additionally, Fellows receive a $2000 stipend for participation; travel, room, and board expenses paid during each summer residency; and 18 continuing education units.

Read more about the fellowship on their website.

Pienta Announced as New York State Master Teacher

Knowles Senior Fellow Susan Pienta was named a 2019 New York State Master Teacher. The New York State Master Teacher Program identifies, rewards and supports master teachers throughout New York State. As a New York State Master Teacher, Susan will engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year. She will work closely with pre-service and early-career educators to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers. Also, Susan will receive a $15,000 stipend per year for four years for her participation in the program. Susan teaches science at Saratoga Springs High School in Saratoga Springs, New York.

To read more about Susan and her award, visit their website.

Thomulka Receives the 2019 Koinonia Family Life Pinnacle Award 

2018 Knowles Teaching Fellow Jessica Thomulka received the 2019 Koinonia Family Life Pinnacle Award, an award that was established in honor of Brother Elliot Johnson and his dedication to the Camden Dream Center.  As seen in an August 1, 2019, 6ABC Action News segment, the Camden Dream CDF Freedom School is a six-week integrated reading curriculum summer program that focuses on underserved youth in Camden’s low-income areas. For the last four years, Jessica has helped to bridge the opportunity gap in education for students in the program. 

To learn more about the Camden Dream CDF Freedom School, visit their website.

Powers Appointed Principal

Knowles Senior Fellow Zach Powers moved into the principal role at East Bay Innovation Academy in Oakland, CA, during the 2019-2020 school year. East Bay Innovation Academy is a small public charter school that prepares a diverse group of students for success.

Seyb Finalist for Educator of the Year

Knowles Teaching Fellow Hannah Seyb was selected as one of five California League of High Schools (CLHS) Educator of the Year Finalists for Riverside County. Hannah was nominated by her principal for her work serving the physics team and students at her school. She was honored at an awards banquet on November 22, 2019.

Clausen Teaches Hands-On Environmental Science Lesson

Knowles Senior Fellow Rachel Clausen and her environmental science class supported environmental and climate change education at Lee High School in Springfield, VA. Collaborating with Lee High School community member and Master Naturalist, Mrs. Perz-Waddington, high school grounds staff, local urban foresters, and her science teacher collaborator, Marina Dewees, Rachel’s students planted trees at their school they will use as educational tools. Her long term plan is to measure the trees twice a year to track diameter and height as measures of tree growth and health. Using this data, students can calculate carbon storage and make connections from this process to help combat climate change. Rachel hopes, “students walk away from these experiences feeling like stewards of their community and that they can individual and as a group make a difference in our environment.” Additionally, Lee High School will certify as an Eco-Schools Schoolyard Habitat and apply for the Bronze Level Eco-School Award by National Wildlife Federation.

Webb Appointed Program Coordinator

Knowles Senior Fellow Allie Webb was appointed the IB and AP Program Coordinator for her school. In this role she will oversee curriculum updates, professional development, scheduling, testing, and student involvement within each of these programs.

Brown Receives Outstanding Teaching in Science Award

Knowles Senior Fellow Carly Brown received the VASE Paula Fives-Taylor Outstanding Teaching in Science award. The Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering (VASE) honors the accomplishments of scientists and engineers, promotes the interests of science and engineering within the state, educates Vermonters about the importance of those fields, and helps state government resolve scientific and engineering problems. Additionally, they promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education in Vermont schools through their annual Awards for Outstanding Teaching in Science, and through Small Equipment Grants. Carly received her award during the VASE annual meeting on September 23, 2019. Read more about Carly’s work here.

Mongelli and School District are “Future Ready”

Knowles Senior Fellow Kristin Mongelli and a team of district administrators from Randolph, NJ attended the Future Ready Schools Conference in Nashville, TN in September 2019. Future Ready Schools is a national network of innovative and passionate educators. Their goal in attending was to support them to become a Future Ready certified school. The Future Ready initiative aligns with the innovative work that Kristin and her district offers and encourages opportunities for collaborative growth, systematic change, and a commitment to purposeful technology-infusion into their classrooms. She attended as an instructional coach and reflected on her purpose in that role, and how to best support staff and students in her school. Read more about the work Kristin and her district is doing here. 

Milks Named Finalist for Presidential Award

Knowles Senior Fellow Kirstin Milks was named as one of six 2019 finalists from the state of Indiana for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. PAEMST is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of science, technology, engineering or math and computer science. PAEMST awardees will be announced in summer 2020.

Read more about the award in a Hoosier Times article.

Gueye Opens Flagship Store

2018 Knowles Teaching Fellow Diarra Bousso Gueye was featured in a May 2019 FashionUnited article. In addition to teaching mathematics, she is the creator of two direct-to-consumer fashion brands in her native country of Senegal—Diarrablu and Diarrabel. Inspired by her love of mathematics, all of her prints are designed based on mathematical equations.

Read the article to learn more about her first flagship store, which she opened in Dakar in May.

Thomulka Featured on 6ABC Action News

2018 Knowles Teaching Fellow Jessica Thomulka was interviewed as part of an August 1, 2019 6ABC Action News segment about the Camden Dream CDF Freedom School. Through this six-week program, underserved youth from Camden, New Jersey, are supported in developing a capacity and love for reading. Additionally, scholars are exposed to science, technology, engineering and math activities that are taught by Thomulka. As Co-Site Coordinator, Thomulka is also responsible for intern recruitment, training, and planning for the summer program. 

Watch the segment to learn more Jessica’s work with the Camden Dream CDF Freedom School.

Berman Featured in WHYY Article

In a recent WHYY article, 2015 Knowles Teaching Fellow Emily Berman shares her experience with teaching race to ninth-grade students and why she feels it is important.

Read the article now.

Knowles Fellow-Supported Global STEM Challenges Program Featured on WTOP News

In 2016, Knowles was contracted to help Fairfax County Public Schools co-write curriculum for their Global STEM Challenges Program. Over the last three years, Knowles Fellows have supported this effort. On Sunday, June 9, 2019, Fairfax County’s Global STEM Challenges Program was featured on WTOP News.

Listen to the story about this innovative program: http://ow.ly/70Cq50uCHSh

Melendez Loaiza Improves Science Education Through News Literacy

An article written about Knowles Senior Fellow Kelly Melendez Loaiza explains how she uses the News Literacy Project’s Checkology® virtual classroom to help her students learn to identify credible sources; determine the reliability of information; and recognize biased, false or misleading content. Melendez Loaiza uses Checkology in her science classroom to support students’ research and is the only science teacher they are aware of that uses their platform to teach news literacy directly.

Read the article to learn more about how she uses this resource to strengthen the science literacy and critical thinking skills of her students.

Toupin Leads Students to Win Robotics Competition

The FIRST Robotics team coached by Knowles Senior Fellow Clarissa Toupin —Team #10111, Herbenger Javelinas—won at the Arizona State Championship, where they performed in the top 14% of competitors. The team went on to compete at the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships, which was held in Houston, Texas, from April 17–20, 2019. They placed 39th in their division of 80; a big accomplishment for a second-year team competing against teams with 10 or more years of experience.

Read more about the team here.

Herrmann’s Journal Article Published

An article written by Knowles Senior Fellow Zachary Herrmann and co-authors Pam Grossman, Christopher G. Pupik Dean, and Sarah Schneider Kavanagh—Preparing Teachers for Project-based Teaching—was published in April 2019 issue of Phi Delta Kappan. Their article is based on a modified Delphi study they conducted with the goal of better understanding the teaching practice of expert practitioners of project-based learning (PBL), so that they might help teachers new to PBL to follow in the experts’ footsteps. Through their study, they developed four core practices of project-based teaching: Disciplinary, Authentic, Iterative, and Collaborative. Their article provides examples of ways to apply these practices in project-based classrooms to achieve instructional goals.

Read the full article here.

Two Knowles Fellows Receive Hollyhock Fellowships

Knowles Fellows Sarah DiMaria and Dwaina Sookhoo were selected as 2019 Hollyhock Fellows. The Hollyhock Fellowship Program addresses complicated educational realities by encouraging and supporting highly motivated, early-career high school teachers to persist and thrive in the classroom by providing them with rich learning opportunities with colleagues nationwide. The Fellowship is a two-year experience consisting of two components each year: summer professional learning at Stanford University and virtual coaching during the school year. Additionally, Fellows receive a $2000 stipend for participation; travel, room, and board expenses paid during each summer residency; and 18 continuing education units.

Read more about the fellowship on their website.

Gough Receives Zeroing in on Math Teaching Fellowship

Knowles Teaching Fellow Courtney Gough was selected as a 2019 EdVestors Math Fellow. The Zeroing in on Math Teaching Fellowship is awarded to a highly selective cohort of teachers focused on improving access to effective math instruction for students in Boston, Massachusetts. Fellows earn a stipend for participation in the year-long program. Participating teachers remain in their classrooms while thinking broadly about larger issues facing young mathematicians in Boston and connecting with other like-minded educators about the challenges and potential solutions they encounter.

Read more about the fellowship on their website.

Hill receives NSTA 2019 Distinguished Teaching Award

Knowles Senior Fellow Bradford Hill received the 2019 Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The NSTA Teacher Awards program honors K–12 teachers, principals, professors and other science education professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Bradford was honored at a special banquet and ceremony on Friday, April 12, 2019, at the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in St. Louis, Missouri.

Rasmussen’s Students Participate in National Competition

Knowles Senior Fellow Kelsey Rasmussen’s students won the Colorado state Real World Design Challenge, an annual competition that provides high school students the opportunity to work on real world engineering challenges as a team, and are preparing to go to the National Competition in Washington, D.C. This year’s challenge is to design an unmanned aircraft system, create a theory of operation, and develop a business plan for the commercial operations of a drone in an urban environment.

Read more about their project on their website.

State recognized as Teacher of the Month for District

Knowles Senior Fellow Sophie State was recognized as the Conejo Valley Unified School District Teacher of the Month for April 2019. She has been a teacher at Westlake High School for six years, where she serves as an invaluable resource for her colleagues by providing subject area expertise on teaching and evaluative practices. She also initiated a teacher observation club, and created a lunchtime help center for students.

Read more about Sophie’s achievement here.

Hanzlick-Burton appointed Science Learning Experience Team Manager

Knowles Senior Fellow Camden Hanzlick-Burton has been selected to be one of the Science Learning Experience Team Managers for Summit Public Schools. In this role, he will develop and lead professional development for more than 300 school administrators and teachers. Beginning in June 2019, Camden will split his time between three schools in the Seattle-Tacoma, Washington area.

La Mar Co-Authors Article Published by Time

An article written by Knowles Senior Fellow Tanya La Mar and Stanford professor Jo Boaler on teaching students with disabilities was published by Time on February 28, 2019.

Read their article now.

Milks Received Jacobs Educator Award

Knowles Senior Fellow Kirstin Milks received a 2019 Jacobs Educator Award from Indiana University Bloomington. Jacobs Educators are outstanding teachers from across the U.S. who integrate technology and support problem-based and/or inquiry learning in their classrooms. Recipients will connect with researchers at the IU School of Education to create short reports that will provide usable research for busy teachers to help them understand best practices. Each selected Jacobs Educator will receive a $1500 stipend, $1000 to purchase technology resources for use in their teaching, and additional funds to support travel to Indiana University Bloomington, if necessary.

Read more about the program here

Chin Selected for Superintendent Teacher Advisory Team

Knowles Senior Fellow Mary Chin was selected to participate in the Maricopa County (Arizona) Superintendent Teacher Advisory Team (STAT) for the 2018–19 school year. STAT, an initiative of Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson, is designed to increase teacher voice and include classroom perspective during discussions about education practice and policy. STAT meets quarterly for discussion around important topics, such as school funding priorities, teacher retention strategies, and accessibility of instructional resources. As a team member, Mary is engaging in important advocacy work on behalf of students and educators in Maricopa County.

Graves Receives Voya Unsung Heroes Grant

Knowles Senior Fellow Ben Graves received a $2,000 Voya Unsung Heroes grant from Voya Financial to expand the solar electricity lab at his school. This two-phase project began with building a pole-mounted solar array and a gazebo-style outdoor classroom, which his students completed last year with funds from a Planet Stewards Education Award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Now, Ben and his students are adding solar panels to the outdoor classroom and commissioning both systems. See Ben’s YouTube channel, MrGravesScience, for videos about the progress of this project.

Morey Receives Toshiba Grant

Knowles Teaching Fellow Shannon Morey received an $8,300 grant from the Toshiba America Foundation to integrate more project-based learning into the physics, chemistry, and biology courses at her school. Toshiba America Foundation grants aim to fund projects designed by innovative classroom teachers. Teachers are able to enhance the way they teach science and math subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and project-based learning to the curriculum. Using grant funds, Shannon’s students will look at energy sources in the community and develop a plan for what the energy portfolio should look like in 50 years.

Read more about Toshiba’s program  

Sircar Joins National Science Peer Review Panel

Knowles Senior Fellow Monica Sircar was recently accepted as a peer reviewer on Achieve’s Science Peer Review Panel. Out of over 200 applicants from 39 states, DC and international locations, Monica demonstrated extensive knowledge of the NGSS and a critical eye for high-quality and materials designed for the NGSS. Monica will join the network of roughly 50 passionate educators on the Science PRP with whom she can build a powerful community and share ideas and resources.

The Science PRP was created by Achieve in fall 2016 to evaluate lesson sequences and units designed for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and share high quality examples online. One of the biggest challenges to NGSS implementation around the country is a lack of high-quality instructional materials designed for the NGSS. The Science PRP addresses the problem of the insufficient examples of science materials by evaluating free and publicly available materials with the nationally-respected EQuIP Rubric for Science, identifying high quality examples, and posting them publicly for the education community—both teachers and publishers—to see what materials faithfully designed for the NGSS actually look like.

To learn more, check out the Science Peer Review Panel website

Senior Fellows Named NY State Master Teachers

Knowles Senior Fellows Timothy Ciampa and Laura Arnold, were named 2018 New York State Master Teachers. Knowles Senior Fellow David Streib was also named a New York State Master Teacher in 2017. The New York State Master Teacher Program identifies, rewards and supports master teachers throughout New York State. As New York State Master Teachers, Tim, Laura and David will engage in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year, and work closely with pre-service and early-career educators to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers. They each will receive a $15,000 stipend per year for four years for his participation in the program. Tim teaches calculus and computer programming at Queensbury High School in Queensbury, New York. Laura teaches science at Brighton High School in Rochester, New York. David teaches physics at New Roots Charter School in Ithaca, New York.

Clausen Featured on FCPS Blog

Knowles Senior Fellow Rachel Clausen engaged her IB Environmental Systems and Societies students in a yearlong study of soil, water and plants in northern Virginia. Through field research, meetings with scientists and in-class labs, her students uncovered a topic they wished to explore, then shared their findings in a research paper and presentation.

Read more in this Fairfax County Public Schools blog post

Mosher Featured in NPR Article

2015 Knowles Teaching Fellow Megan Mosher was featured in an October 26, 2018 NPR article—5 Ways to Make Classrooms More Inclusive.

Read the full article

Perry Published in Mathematics Teacher

An article written by Ayanna Perry, Knowles Program Officer for Teacher Development, about designing equitable classrooms was published in the November 2018 issue of Mathematics Teacher, an official journal of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Read more about the article—7 Features of Equitable Classroom Spaces

Case Study Written by Knowles Staff and Fellow Published

A case study written by Knowles Senior Fellow Andrew Wild, Knowles Research Project Manager Jodie Galosy, Knowles Senior Research Associate Melissa Kagle, Knowles Executive Director and CEO Nicole Gillespie, and Knowles Director of Programs Jeff Rozelle was published in the Journal of Professional Capital and Community. Their case study, Teacher Agency Over Curriculum and Professional Learning: Lock-Step, explores how a group of International Baccalaureate (IB) Physics teachers exercised collective agency to design and implement a virtual collaboration in which they taught their classes in lock-step.

Teehan Founded Chapter of Math Honor Society

2016 Knowles Teaching Fellow Kara Teehan, and colleague Stephanie DiBari, successfully petitioned for the establishment of a chapter of Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society at Middletown North High School, located in Middletown, New Jersey. Mu Alpha Theta is “dedicated to inspiring a keen interest in mathematics, developing strong scholarship in the subject, and promoting the enjoyment of mathematics in high school and two-year college students. ” On October 23, 2018, more than 50 students from Middletown North will be inducted into this prestigious honor society, which will operate under the advising of Kara and Stephanie. On September 22, 2018, the Middletown Journal wrote an article about this new chapter of Mu Alpha Theta.

Johnson Elected Teacher of the Year

In spring 2018, 2015 Knowles Teaching Fellow Destinee Johnson was named Teacher of the Year at Westside High School, located in Anderson, South Carolina.

Watson Elected Mayor

Knowles Senior Fellow Anne Watson was elected mayor of Montpelier, Vermont on March 6, 2018. Councilor Watson will continue to teach physics, engineering and algebra at Montpelier High School while serving as mayor.

BROWN RECOGNIZED AS UNSUNG HERO

2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow Carly Brown was recognized as an Unsung Hero by St. Michael’s College in May 2017. Carly was nominated by a former student and was cited as being instrumental in their success.

See the list of Unsung Heroes

BOTHA WON AGAIN WITH EDUCATION APP

Teacher Aide Pro is an Android app that assists teachers with taking attendance, maintaining a gradebook and more. Teacher Aide Pro, developed by Knowles Senior Fellow Glen Botha, received first place in the Best Education App category in the 7th Annual BestAppEverAwards for Android competition.

O’HARA CO-AUTHORED JOURNAL ARTICLE

An article co-written by Knowles Senior Fellow Casey O’Hara—Aligning Marine Species Range Data to Better Serve Science and Conservation—was published in PLOS ONE, a multidisciplinary, open access journal on May 3, 2017.

Read the full article

HILL RECEIVED TWO APPOINTMENTS

Knowles Senior Fellow Bradford Hill received two appointments in his home state of Oregon. Hill was invited to serve on the Next Generation Science Standards Oregon State Communication Team. He was also appointed to serve as a core member of the STEM Strategic Planning committee for the STEM Investment Council for the Oregon Education Investment Board.

STATE APPOINTED WASC SELF-STUDY COORDINATOR

During the 2016–2017 academic year, Knowles Senior Fellow Sophie State served as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) self-study coordinator for Westlake High School. In preparation for an October 2017 visit, she involved all stakeholders in evaluating the school’s program and its impact on student learning relative to certain criteria. Additionally, Sophie trained a team of 12 to lead monthly focus groups on various topics to gather data for the final report. Further, she was responsible for coordinating the creation of the final report, preparing all teachers for the visit, and coordinating the visit of this accrediting body.

BOTHA WON SECOND AWARD FOR EDUCATION APP

Teacher Aide Pro 2, an app designed by Knowles Senior Fellow Glen Botha, was named Best Education App in the 6th Annual BestAppEverAwards for Android competition. Teacher Aide Pro 2, the professional version of the 2nd edition of Teacher Aide Pro, helps teachers take attendance, maintain a grade book and more.

Additionally, Teacher Aide Pro 2 was featured along with 16 other teacher apps on the Google Play Store, under the “Apps for Teachers & Educators” category.

9 KNOWLES FELLOWS ACCEPTED INTO AP BIOLOGY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

The below list of Knowles Fellows were accepted into the third cohort of the AP Biology Leadership Academy, run by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). The NABT/BSCS AP Biology Leadership Academy is a two-year professional development program designed to develop a new generation of leaders in biology education.

• Chris Anderson
• Brittney Barickman
• Camden Burton
• Megan Cassidy
• Natalie Dutrow
• Laura Nutter
• Rebecca Selleck
• Lyudmila Shemyakina

• Sophie State

SCHAEFER LED SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES PROJECT

Senior Fellow Patricia Schaefer has been tapped to lead the writing and development of the Southwest Wisconsin Science and Engineering Practices Project. Over three years, this project supported 30 elementary science teachers and led the organization and implementation of grant activities. Funded by a discretionary grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Mathematics and Science Partnership Program, the project increased the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers. Partnerships between high-need school districts and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics faculty in institutions of higher education are at the core of these improvement efforts.

WAKE FOREST COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER FEATURED IN VIDEO

Mark Hartman, a National Board Certified Teacher, was featured in a video produced by the Wake County Public School System about National Board Certification.

CLARK APPOINTED TO UC BERKELEY ADVISORY GROUP

Jim Clark was appointed to the Teacher Education Advisory Group (TEAG) of the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Education. The group provides input on trends and developments that will impact how teachers are prepared. While remaining in his role as the district science coordinator for San Lorenzo Unified School District in California, Jim will continue to provide support for third and fourth year Teaching Fellows as a Program Officer for Teacher Development, effective September 2017. Previously, he taught biology, AP biology and honors anatomy and physiology at Arroyo High School in the San Lorenzo Unified School District for 32 years. Jim founded the Academy of Health and Medicine, a small learning community at Arroyo, and worked as director for nine years.

KNOWLES STAFF AND FELLOWS ACKNOWLEDGED IN BOOK

PIENTA AND VANHALA AWARDED PROJECT KINDLE FELLOWSHIPS

2014 Knowles Teaching Fellows Susan Pienta and Michelle Vanhala were named as 2017 Project Kindle Fellows. The two were of a group of 16 teachers selected to take part in Earthwatch expeditions alongside world-class scientists, where they collected data connected to some of the world’s most pressing research questions in climate change, ocean health, wildlife and ecosystems, and archaeology. As part of the Fellowship, Susan and Michelle were trained to lead a group of their students on an Earthwatch expedition in 2018 or 2019.

Read about Project Kindle Fellowships

BURTON AWARDED AFCEA GRANT

SENIOR FELLOW NAMED BETTERLESSON MASTER TEACHER

Jessica Uy is a geometry teacher at Fremont High School, located in Sunnyvale, Calif. She was named a BetterLesson Master Teacher, based upon her math knowledge, her ability to illuminate math for students and the leadership she exhibits in her school and community. BetterLesson was founded by public school teachers from Atlanta and Boston to connect educators and help them create, organize, and share their curricula, particularly innovative content and practices.

BOTHA DEVELOPED AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION APP

Teacher Aide Pro is an Android app that assists teachers with taking attendance, maintaining a gradebook and more. Knowles Senior Fellow Glen Botha developed this app, which was awarded second place in the Best Education App category in the 5th Annual BestAppEverAwards for Android competition.

HAWTHORNE CERTIFIED AS GOOGLE EDUCATOR

Knowles Senior Fellow Sarah Hawthorne became a Level 1 Google Certified Educator in November 2016. Through the associated training, she became familiar with various Google tools and how to integrate them in the classroom.

STAMBACH AWARDED NOYCE FELLOWSHIP

TWO TEACHING FELLOWS ACCEPTED INTO AP BIOLOGY LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Helen Snodgrass, a 2010 Fellow, and Brittany Franckowiak, a 2011 Fellow, were accepted into the second cohort of the AP Biology Leadership Academy run by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS). The NABT/BSCS AP Biology Leadership Academy is a two-year professional development program designed to develop a new generation of leaders in biology education.

2011 TEACHING FELLOW & PLC AWARDED $4000 IN GRANTS

2011 ‪‎Knowles Teaching Fellow Rebecca Selleck and the members of her professional learning community at Cambridge High School (Milton, Ga.) were awarded nearly $4,000 in grants from their Parent Teacher Student Association. The grant funds were used to purchase water and soil testing supplies for the school’s Advanced Placement Environmental Science program, and various magnets and electrical equipment to improve physical science lessons on electricity and magnetism.

SANDERS AWARDED A ROWLAND FELLOWSHIP

Knowles Senior Fellow Rachel Sanders and her colleague, Laszlo Bardos, were named 2016 Rowland Fellows. Grants of up to $100,000 are awarded to Fellows’ schools for the implementation of a vision to transform an aspect of the school that will positively impact its culture and climate.

During the 2016–2017 academic year, Rachel and Laszlo used support from the Rowland Foundation to work with staff at their school, Rivendell Academy, on the implementation of Critical Explorations, a philosophy and pedagogical approach that positions students as active drivers of classroom conversation and ideas, and teachers as facilitators who strive to elicit student thinking and pull in all learners.

Learn more about Rachel and her work

WILD CO-AUTHORED JRST ARTICLE

Knowles Senior Fellow Andrew Wild co-authored an article titled, “The Development and Validation of a Learning Progression for Argumentation in Science.” The article was published in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching online on April 3, 2016.

Read the full article

MILLER TRAVELED TO THE SOUTH POLE

Knowles Senior Fellow Kate Miller traveled to the Antarctic with Project IceCube in winter 2016. For the last seven years, the Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC) partnered with Knowles and PolarTREC to send high school math and science teachers to the South Pole to work closely with scientists and engineers on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. From February 7–12, 2016, Miller attended orientation for her upcoming trip in Fairbanks, Alaska. While there, she tried out special cold weather gear and saw the Northern Lights. To learn more about her trip, please read her journal entries on the PolarTREC website.

Miller is the seventh Knowles Fellow to be involved with the project.

BEANS INVITED TO SPEAK AT TEDX CONFERENCE

Knowles Senior Fellow Liz Beans was invited to speak at a TEDx conference hosted by students at Summit Preparatory Charter High School, where she teaches. Beans discussed how she uncovered her passion for teaching, while working as a medicinal chemistry researcher at Stanford University.

View Liz’s speech, Finding Purpose with Passion

HAWTHORNE JOINED SCHOOL AP TASK FORCE

To study and increase participation of underrepresented students in Advanced Placement (AP) STEM classes, Mountain View High School formed an AP Task Force. Sarah Hawthorne, 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow and Mountain View teacher, was a member of the AP Task Force. In her role on the AP seminar subcommittee, she designed workshops for students enrolled in STEM AP courses for the first time. Macway delivered a workshop to help new AP students prepare for finals.

2011 TEACHING FELLOW USES WEATHER PATTERNS TO TEACH EARTH MATH

2011 Knowles Teaching Fellow Sheila Orr teaches integrated Earth Math (Earth Science & Algebra 1). To encourage a deeper level of engagement and integration in the unit on severe weather and writing linear equations, she asked her students to make public service announcements (PSA) to be aired on the school’s closed television system. Each student picked a specific type of severe weather and produced a PSA to teach viewers important information, such as how the severe weather type impacts the community and how to stay safe during instances of severe weather. To bring in the mathematical modeling piece, Sheila’s students used high and low pressure data to write an equation that would predict when severe weather could strike in their area.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GET ATTENTION OF NATIONAL POLICY ADVISORS

Under the leadership of Dr. Michael Town, students in his Technology, Engineering and Communications High School (TEC) physics class garnered the attention of national policy advisors. The students reviewed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Summary for Policy Makers, a document which gathers current research, and is used by decision makers at local, regional, national, and international levels in business and government as they consider changes to policies related to climate change. As initially written, they felt that most readers without expertise in climate science would be unable to understand the document. Their insightful comments were included in the feedback given to the report authors by the state.

DARNALL NAMED PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEE

On August 22, 2016, Knowles Senior Fellow Laura Darnall was named one of two recipients of the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for the state of Tennessee. As a Presidential awardee, Darnall will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science
Foundation. Additionally, she was recognized at an awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on September 8, 2016.

Read more about the award in a White House press release.

O’HARA PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY ON SCIENCE EDUCATION

STAMBACH NOVEL RECEIVED ALEX AWARD

WILD CO-AUTHORED BOOK

Knowles Senior Fellow Andrew Wild co-wrote Arguing From Evidence in Middle School Science: 24 Activities for Productive Talk and Deeper Learning. The book is available on Amazon.  

JOHNSON ACHIEVED NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION

Knowles Senior Fellow Kelsey Johnson—an engineering design, programming and AP Computer Science teacher at Academy of Engineering and Aerospace at Erie High School (CO)—achieved National Board Certification in December 2016. She is one of 533 teachers to achieve certification following revisions to the certification process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

National Board Certification is an advanced credential developed for and by teachers. To achieve certification, candidates must submit a reflection on student work samples, video and analysis of teaching practice, and documentation of the impact of assessment and collaboration on student learning. Additionally, candidates must successfully complete an assessment of content knowledge.

Read more about National Board Certification

JOUJAN PUBLISHED MATH CURRICULUM

Alex Joujan—a mathematics teacher at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey—published Summit Math, a 15-book curriculum series. Summit Math covers Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, providing a guided discovery approach that allows students to learn math at different paces. Visit www.summitmathbooks.com to learn more. 

CONNER NAMED 2017 NAEd/SPENCER DISSERTATION FELLOW

Kimberly Conner, a Knowles Senior Fellow, was awarded a 2017 NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship. She was one of 35 dissertation fellows—selected from a pool of roughly 500 applicants—who received $27,500 for a period of up to two years to complete research and attend professional development retreats. “The NAEd/Spencer Fellowship Programs not only promote important research, but also help to develop the careers of scholars who demonstrate great promise for making significant contributions to education,” stated NAEd President Dr. Michael Feuer.

Read more about Kimberly and her research

ELLIS NAMED EDUCATOR OF EXCELLENCE

2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow Timothy Ellis was named Washburn Rural High School’s Educator of Excellence for the fall 2016 semester. Students submit nominations for this award, which recognizes one teacher per semester for their efforts towards making a positive impact on the lives of the students.

KNOWLES FELLOWS MET WITH COLORADO GOVERNOR

On May 4, 2015, Colorado-based Knowles Fellows, Knowles Executive Director Nicole Gillespie, and Knowles President William Rulon-Miller met with Governor John W. Hickenlooper of Colorado to discuss teacher leadership.

MCCOLLUM NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Matthew McCollum, 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow, was named Homewood High School 2015–2016 Teacher of the Year. Initially nominated by a colleague, Matt was chosen from among 103 teachers at his school to receive this honor.

O’BRYAN RECOGNIZED FOR ENCOURAGING WOMEN IN COMPUTING

The fifth annual Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Awards (AiC) ceremony, recognized Knowles Senior Fellow Kaitie O’Bryan  in the educator honorable mention category. Sponsored by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), Kaitie was recognized for her demonstrated commitment to encouraging young women’s aspirations in computing. Specifically, she taught the first computer science course to 20 students at her school in 2015. One year later, more than 100 students have been impacted by the program.

BARICKMAN NOMINATED TO TEACHER LEADER ACADEMY

Brittney Barickman, 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow, was selected to participate in a regional Teacher Leader Academy. Barickman was nominated by her principal, along with four other teachers from her school and 20 teachers from her district. Hosted by the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program (NNRPDP), the Teacher Leader Academy offers opportunities for the 60 participants in its’ first cohort to learn about instruction, professional growth and leadership via monthly seminars. Additionally, participants benefited from monthly critical friend group meetings.

ORR CO-WROTE CHAPTER IN NEW BOOK

2011 Knowles Teaching Fellow Sheila Orr collaborated with Frances Harper, a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University, to write a chapter in Social Justice, the Common Core, and Closing the Instructional Gap. Their chapter, Algebra and Literacy: A Social Justice Pairing, describes how the two used literacy rates and representation of people of color in children’s books to teach Sheila’s students about variables. The book was published in 2015.

VANHALA ACCEPTED IN SECOND MEA CARBON TIME NETWORK

Carbon: Transformations in Matter and Energy (Carbon TIME) is a National Science Foundation-funded program that offers publicly available teaching units, teacher professional development, and teacher networks based in local education agencies. Michelle Vanhala, a 2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow, was selected as a participant in the second cohort of the Michigan Education Association‘s (MEA) Carbon TIME program. For  two years, she explored how to engage her students in science practices with 11 other middle and high school teachers in the state.

WATSON SELECTED AS 2015 ROWLAND FELLOW

The Rowland Fellowship offers a unique professional development opportunity for secondary teachers in Vermont. The Rowland Foundation seeks to fund proposals that transform an aspect of the school that will positively impact its culture and climate. Knowles Senior Fellow Anne Watson was selected as a 2015 Rowland Fellow. Her proposal to create a public boarding program at Montpelier High School advanced with a $100,000 grant from the Rowland Foundation. As a Rowland Fellow, Watson took a sabbatical from the classroom in the fall of 2015, allowing time for the development of an action plan for her proposal. In the spring of 2016, she returned to her classroom with a reduced course load, allowing for further work on the boarding program.

WILD CO-AUTHORED JOURNAL ARTICLE

Knowles Senior Fellow Andrew Wild co-authored an article entitled, “Beyond Construction: Five Arguments for the Role and Value of Critique in Learning Science.” The article was published in the International Journal of Science Education online on May 18, 2015.

Read the full article here

PERALTA NAMED FIRST YEAR TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to 2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow Jessica Peralta, who was named 2015 First Year Teacher of the Year by the Oxford School District. Peralta teaches mathematics at Oxford High School in Oxford, Miss.

Read more about Jessica’s recognition

HANZLICK-BURTON NAMED 2015 OUTSTANDING BIOLOGY TEACHER FOR THE STATE OF KANSAS

Camden Hanzlick-Burton, Knowles Senior Fellow, was named 2015 Outstanding Biology Teacher for the state of Kansas. Administered by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers (KABT), the award is given to an outstanding biology teacher (grades 7–12) in each of the 50 states. Candidates are judged on their teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, inventiveness, initiative, and student-teacher relationships. Hanzlick-Burton was recognized at the NABT National Conference Honors Luncheon. He received a complimentary one-year NABT membership, gift certificates from Carolina Biological Supply Company, resources from other sponsors, a trophy to display in his classroom, and a certificate for his school to display. Read the press release issued by the Olathe (KS) School District to learn more about why Camden was selected.

Hanzlick-Burton (center) is shown with Kelley Tuel, KABT Awards Committee Chairperson (left), and Gwen Poss, Olathe Northwest Principal (right).

36TH ANNUAL ETHNOGRAPHY IN EDUCATION FORUM

On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, Jeanne Vissa and Roseanne Rostock—‪‎Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Senior Program Officers, Teacher Development—presented two sessions at the 36th Annual Ethnography in Education Research Forum hosted by the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. As part of the forum’s Practitioner Inquiry Day, they presented on “Exploring Teacher Leadership Through Beginning Teachers’ Stories” and “Activity Systems As a Framework for Exploring Teacher Community & Teacher Leadership.”

NEAL NAMED MOMATH SONG CONTEST WINNER

NUTTER ELECTED TO LEAD STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL

T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va. elected 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow Laura Nutter to serve as the chairperson of the Staff Advisory Council during the 2015–2016 academic year. She led the 20-member group as they met with school administration on a monthly basis to discuss questions and concerns.

WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT ASCENT TEAM RECEIVED AWARD

The Project ASCENT team from Westfield High School—Cortlyn Bristol, Mary Constantino, Jessica Finley and Rory McGlinnen—received a Team Excellence Award in Growth from Fairfax County Public Schools. This team is leveraging improvement science to close the achievement gap between English Language Learners and general education population biology students at their school. To tackle this issue, they developed a five-station Blended Learning Lab (BLL) model that requires students to use various learning skills required to be successful science learners. BLLs contain highly structured activities that require students to access information independently and/or collaboratively, rather than through direct instruction. One year after implementation, the test scores of affected ELL students increased by 6%. Originally intended to impact only one classroom of 30 students, six teachers at their school also used their model.

HILL RECOGNIZED AS PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEE

STUDENTS PRESENTED STORM WATER PLANS TO TOWN LEADERS

During the fall 2015 semester, the students in Susan Pienta‘s earth and environmental science class explored stormwater management. At the conclusion of the semester, they presented best practices and recommendations for filtering, retaining, and reducing stormwater runoff to district leaders, Town of Queensbury officials and the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District.

GOLDBERG AWARDED MINI STEAM GRANT

2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow Margot Goldberg was awarded a fall 2015 Pittsburgh Public Schools Mini STEAM grant. The $2,400 grant will be used to fund the purchase of WiFi-enabled digital microscopes and art supplies that will be used by her students to create original artwork out of microscopic images.

BARLOW ADDED TO COMMUNICATOR EDITORIAL PANEL

Knowles Senior Fellow Rick Barlow was added to the editorial panel of ComMuniCator. Published quarterly by the California Mathematics Council, ComMuniCator is a nationally recognized forum for mathematics educators. Effective January 12, 2015, Rick began meeting with the editorial panel four times each year to edit and prepare upcoming issues of the publication.

BUSKIRK APPOINTED TO COMMON CORE TASK FORCE

Knowles Senior Fellow Heather Buskirk was appointed to the Common Core Task Force established by New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. Announced on September 28, 2015, the Task Force is composed of a “diverse and highly-qualified group of education officials, teachers, parents, and state representatives from across New York.” The Task Force “is charged with comprehensively reviewing and making recommendations to overhaul the current Common Core system” and the way the state tests its students.

Read more about the Task Force or review its final report.

MILLER FEATURED IN APS PUBLICATION

Knowles Senior Fellow Kate Miller was featured in Physics in Your Future, a publication of the Committee on the Status of Women in Physics, a committee of the American Physical Society. Kate states, teaching is “just as rigorous, challenging and tiring as any other options a physicist has in front of them.”

Read Kate’s full profile in this booklet

HOLCOMB AWARDED STEM TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP

2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow John Holcomb was awarded the 2015 MG Eugene C. Renzi Memorial Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Teacher Scholarship. The scholarship is sponsored by ManTech International Corporation through the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) in honor of Gene Renzi, an inspirational and beloved ManTech leader. Holcomb used the scholarship to purchase chemicals and other lab equipment bringing chemistry to life for his students at Chicago-based ASPIRA Early College High School.

HOTCHKISS SPOKE ON ENGAGEMENT PANEL

On Feb. 4, 2015, 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow Heather Hotchkiss served as a panelist in a discussion about stakeholder engagement and communication. Hosted by the Center on Great Teachers and Leaders (GTL Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the panel discussion took place at a two-day meeting of state teams and regional comprehensive center staff. The meeting focused on ensuring equitable access to excellent educators. In addition to speaking on the panel, Heather met with state representatives to discuss strategies for effectively engaging and communicating with teachers as they design and implement plans to ensure equitable access to excellent educators.

HANZLICK-BURTON RECEIVED 2015 OUTSTANDING NEW BIOLOGY TEACHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Camden Hanzlick-Burton, a Knowles Senior Fellow, was named winner of the 2015 Outstanding New Biology Teacher Achievement Award sponsored by Pearson, the Neil A. Campbell Educational Trust and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). This award recognizes outstanding teaching (grades 7–12 only) by a “new” biology/life science instructor within his/her first three years of teaching who developed an original and outstanding program or technique, and made a contribution to the profession at the start of his/her career. Hanzlick-Burton—a biology teacher at Olathe Northwest High School in Olathe, Kansas—received a travel fellowship and recognition plaque presented at the 2015 NABT Professional Development Conference, and a complimentary one-year NABT membership. His win marks the fifth consecutive year that a Knowles Teaching Fellow was recognized in this capacity.

KIRSTIN MILKS RECEIVED YALE EDUCATOR AWARD

Knowles Senior Fellow Kirstin Milks received a 2014 Yale Educator Award. Selected from more than 300 nominees from 39 states and 20 countries, Kirstin is one of 54 teachers  recognized as an outstanding educator.

BRADFORD HILL AWARDED $9,000 MURDOCK GRANT

Knowles Senior Fellow Bradford Hill completed the Murdock Partners in Science Program, which involved doing scientific research on astronomical digital cameras in a physics lab at Portland State University. He started the program in summer 2012 and completed it in January 2014, when he presented at the Murdock National Conference. Following completion of the program, he was awarded a $9,000 grant that will allow his freshman physics students to conduct similar research. Bradford used the funds to purchase educational cameras that his students assembled and used to engage in real-world inquiry and engineering.

ISHARE WITH GUEST AUTHOR KRISTIN GERMINARIO

2010 Teaching Fellow Kristin Germinario, a biology teacher at Randolph High School (Randolph, N.J.), wrote a piece that was featured in the April 7, 2014 issue of her school’s electronic newsletter. In the piece, she wrote about her collaboration with the school’s instructional coaches to foster literacy in the science classroom.

O’HARA PRESENTED AT 2014 MEETING OF CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE UNIVERSITY

Knowles Senior Fellow Casey O’Hara attended the 2014 Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), which was held March 21–23 at Arizona State University. Commitments to Action, a unique feature of the Clinton Global Initiative, translates practical goals into meaningful and measurable results. CGI U commitments address specific challenges across CGI U’s five focus areas. While at the meeting, Casey spoke about his commitment to developing a network of appropriate technology experts to support STEM teachers in implementing project-based learning around appropriate technology development, which he defines as small-scale technologies—designed in collaboration with a local community in a developing nation or region—that are economically, culturally, and environmentally appropriate to a given community.

TWO SENIOR FELLOWS NAMED 2014 NY STATE MASTER TEACHERS

Knowles Senior Fellows Heather Buskirk and Derek Pope were named 2014 New York State Master Teachers. The New York State Master Teacher Program identifies, rewards and supports master teachers throughout New York State. As New York State Master Teachers, Heather and Derek engaged in peer mentoring and intensive content-oriented professional development opportunities throughout the academic year, and worked closely with pre-service and early-career educators to foster a supportive environment for the next generation of STEM teachers. Each received a $15,000 stipend per year for four years for their participation in the program. Heather is a physics teacher in the Greater Johnstown School District (Mohawk Region) and Derek is a math teacher in the Commack Union Free School District (Long Island Region).

TEACHING FELLOW PENS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett visited Philadelphia’s Central High School—where KD Davenport taught—on Friday, January 17, 2014, to congratulate the students on receiving the second highest test scores in the state. Outraged by the budget cuts and educational policies enacted by Governor Corbett, KD and other Central teachers wrote an open letter to the governor.

Read the letter to learn more about their specific concerns.

FUENTES WHITE HOUSE FEATURE

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month 2014, Knowles Senior Fellow Alexandra Fuentes was profiled by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Click here to learn about what sparked her passion for teaching and what keeps her passion ignited.

O’HARA SELECTED AS 2014 AAAS MASS MEDIA FELLOW

GRAVES LED STUDENTS IN AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROJECT

GENETICS PROJECT PRESENTED AT GENETICS SOCIETY OF AMERICA CONFERENCE

Knowles Senior Fellow Camden Burton and his biology students at Olathe Northwest High School conducted a genetics project during winter 2013–2014. The primary investigator on the project presented their work at the Genetics Society of America‘s 55th Annual Drosophila Research Conference, which was held in San Diego from March 26–30, 2014.

HILL WON PHYSICS TEACHING AWARD

Knowles Senior Fellow Bradford Hill won the American Association of Physics Teachers’ 2014 Paul W. Zitzewitz Award for Excellence in Pre-College Physics Teaching. At the American Association of Physics Teachers’ (AAPT) 2014 Summer Meeting, Hill received a monetary award, an award certificate and a citation. Additionally, his travel expenses to the meeting, where he delivered an address, were covered. Read the press release issued by the AAPT to learn more about why Hill was chosen.

KNOWLES FELLOWS PRESENTED TWO SESSIONS AT 2014 NABT CONFERENCE

Two Knowles Fellows presented hands-on workshops at the National Association of Biology Teachers’ 2014 Professional Development Conference, held in Cleveland, Ohio from November 12–15. Knowles Senior Fellow Isaac Stewart presented a session entitled “Tree-Thinking: A Models-Based Approach to Teaching Evolution.” Additionally, Knowles Senior Fellow Stephen Traphagen presented a session entitled “Student Choice AND Standards! A Reflective Portfolio Aligned to the AP Biology Framework.”

SNODGRASS NAMED 2014 NABT OUTSTANDING NEW BIOLOGY TEACHER

MCCOLLUM RECEIVED TWO AWARDS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Matthew McCollum, 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow, was awarded a 2014 Excellence in Teaching Science Award from the University of Alabama’s (UA) Office of Research in Teaching.

Additionally, McCollum received the E. Scott Barr Teaching Award at UA’s 2014 High School Physics Contest. Each year, this award is given to an outstanding high school physics teacher during the afternoon awards ceremony.

HOTCHKISS SELECTED AS TEACHPLUS TEACHING POLICY FELLOW

2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow Heather (Moore) Hotchkiss was selected as a 2014–2015 TeachPlus Teaching Policy Fellow. As part of the third cohort of Teaching Policy Fellows in Washington, D.C., Heather focused attention on issues of teacher preparation and equitable access to effective teachers at the state and federal levels.

Read more on the TeachPlus website

MYERS RECEIVED ECOLAB GRANT

Knowles Senior Fellow Justine Myers received a grant from the EcoLab Foundation that she used to purchase more than $3,000 worth of Vernier probes that enabled her biology and aquatic science students to engage in hands-on labs.

PERALTA CO-FACILITATED PD AT STATEWIDE MATH CONFERENCE

2014 Knowles Teaching Fellow Jessica Peralta co-facilitated a professional development session entitled “Meet All Your Students’ Needs by Using Tiered Instruction to Differentiate” with Dr. Allan Bellman, University of Mississippi, and Stani Schiavone, a pre-service teacher with the University of Mississippi and Oxford High School, at the Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2014 Conference. Their session covered ideas for daily assessment, various forms of tiered instruction and flexible groupings, as well as tips for creating multi-tiered materials.

BORISH ELECTED TO CHAIR MATH DEPARTMENT

Greg Borish, a 2008 Teaching Fellow, has been elected to serve as the 2013–2014 Mathematics Department Chair for Hart High School, located in Newhall, Calif.

2009 TEACHING FELLOW STOOD OUT FROM THE CROWD

PALOMARES RECEIVED YOUNG ALUMNI IN SERVICE AWARD

In June 2013, mathematics teacher Tara Palomares received the Young Alumni in Service Award from her school, Albuquerque Academy. Palomares is a 2011 Knowles Teaching Fellow.

TRIO OF TEACHING FELLOWS PRESENTED AT NABT CONFERENCE

2010 Knowles Teaching Fellows Rachel Clausen, Helen Snodgrass and Brittney Barickman were selected to present their “Five Practices Session” at the 2013 National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Professional Development Conference, which was held in Atlanta, Ga., in November.

THREE FELLOWS JOINED FORCES TO PRESENT AT NSTA CONFERENCE

LEE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS VISITED PORT ISOBEL

In fall 2013, Robert E. Lee High School Teacher and 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow Rachel Clausen was awarded one of 75 Good Neighbor Student Achievement Grants, sponsored by State Farm in partnership with Youth Service America(YSA). As part of YSA’s Semester of Service program, the competitive grant was used to support an extended service and learning framework that allowed Rachel’s students to address real-world problems in their community through connecting service activities. From March 10–12, 2014, Rachel and 13 of her IB environmental systems and societies students visited a residential education center on Port Isobel, a 250-acre island east of Tangier Island.

While at Port Isobel, the students participated in various field investigations designed to foster stewardship for the Chesapeake Bay. This experience culminated with the students sharing their learnings with local elementary and middle school students at the school’s Community Science Day, on May 31, 2014. Read more about this adventure in an article written by Janelle Germanos of the Springfield Connection.

2009 TEACHING FELLOW JOINED BSCS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MOORE ADVISED IB SCIENCE SHOWCASE

On June 8, 2013, more than 100 junior and senior International Baccalaureate (IB) students from Robert E. Lee High School in Fairfax, Va., participated in the student-organized Lee High School Science Showcase. This event challenged students to share their high-level understanding of a particular science topic with community members—including peers, younger students and guest scientists—in a way that could be easily understood.

Outstanding public relations efforts coordinated by the students drew a large crowd to the showcase. Through exhibits and hands-on demonstrations, the students brought abstract science concepts to life. Kudos to the student participants and their faculty advisor, Heather Moore, a 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow. See local coverage of the Science Showcase.

CHIN RECOGNIZED AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Mary Chin, a mathematics teacher and Knowles Senior Fellow, was named Mesa Preparatory Academy’s 2013 Teacher of the Year.

BLOOMBERG RADIO FEATURED BEE WORK OF TEACHING FELLOW

April 2013, Bloomberg Radio featured Isaac Stewart, a 2009 KSTF Teaching fellow, during their Honor Roll Segment. During the podcast, Isaac discussed how his students are actively designing solutions to current bee colony problems.

2009 FELLOW TWICE NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

KNOWLES FELLOWS PRESENTED FOUR SESSIONS AT 2013 NABT CONFERENCE

Three groups of Knowles Fellows presented educational sessions at the National Association of Biology Teachers’ 2013 Professional Development Conference, held in Atlanta, Ga., from November 20–23. 2010 Teaching Fellows Brittany Barickman, Rachel Clausen and Helen Snodgrass discussed using the 5 Practices framework to facilitate productive classroom discussions. 2009 Teaching Fellows Kirstin Milks  and Steven Traphagen presented a session on the role student voice plays in engagement and motivation. Additionally, Senior Fellow Jim Lane and 2009 Teaching Fellow Isaac Stewart taught attendees how to incorporate simple inquiry-based activities to inspire curiosity and awareness for the natural world in the context of course content during two sessions.

PRITCHETT NAMED EMERGING LEADER BY ASCD

HILL RACKED UP ACCOLADES

Beaverton, Ore., physics teacher Bradford Hill received several awards and new positions. At the Oregon Science Teachers Association‘s (OSTA) Awards Reception, held on October 24, 2013, Hill was recognized as an Outstanding Classroom Teacher. In November 2013, he was elected President-Elect of the OSTA. Hill has also been named a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) finalist. The PAEMST are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K-12 mathematics and science (including computer science) teaching. Most recently, he was named a member of the Oregon Department of Education Science Content and Assessment Advisory Group, where he’ll serve a three-year term.

DAVIS NAMED A BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Knowles Senior Fellow Carmen Davis  was selected as a Boston Public School (BPS) Educator of the Year. Along with only 13 other individuals in the district—including other teachers, paraprofessionals and counselors—Davis was recognized at the 13th Annual Boston Educators of the Year ceremony held on June 11, 2013. West Roxbury Transcript, a news source serving West Roxbury, Mass., wrote an article capturing the essence of why Davis is regarded so highly.

2008 TEACHING FELLOW PICKED FOR I-RISE

Kelsey Johnson, a physical science teacher at George Washington High School, participated in the 2013 Interdisciplinary Research Institute in STEM Education (I-RISE). The event took place at Seattle Pacific University from August 5–20, 2013. I-RISE is a high-intensity summer research experience constructed to act as a hub of collaboration for interdisciplinary research on teacher professional development, conceptual understanding of energy, learning theories, and formative assessment practices.

CLAUSEN COACHED IB STUDENTS TO SUCCESS

The Robert E. Lee High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Environmental Systems and Societies students of 2010 Knowles Teaching Fellow Rachel Clausen were recognized for earning the highest IB test scores in the Fairfax County Public School System during the 2013–2014 academic year.

STEWART RECEIVED MULTIPLE HONORS

Isaac Stewart, a 2009 Knowles Teaching Fellow, was a winner of the 2013 Outstanding New Biology Teacher award sponsored by Ken-A-Vision and the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). This award recognizes outstanding teaching (grades 7-12 only) by a “new” biology/life science instructor within his/her first three years of teaching who developed an original and outstanding program or technique, and made a contribution to the profession at the start of his/her career. Stewart received a recognition plaque at the NABT Professional Development Conference, along with a microscope and a complimentary one-year NABT membership. His win marked the third consecutive year that a Knowles Teaching Fellow was recognized in this capacity. Stewart was also chosen to serve as the Head of the Science Department for Fisher Junior/Senior High School, located in Fisher, Ill. Last, he presented two of his sessions on “Nature in the Classroom” at the 2013 NABT Professional Development Conference, which was held in Atlanta, Ga., in November.  ‪ ‪

SENIOR FELLOW SELECTED AS PANELIST FOR TEACHER TOWN HALL

Alexandra Fuentes—biology teacher, Knowles Senior Fellow and outspoken teacher advocate—was selected to participate in a panel discussion on teacher voice that will take place during the fourth annual Education Nation Teacher Town Hall. To coincide with the overall theme of the summit, “What It Takes,” the discussion focused on what it takes for teachers to be successful in today’s school system. The Teacher Town Hall aired live on MSNBC on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 12:00–2:00 p.m. EDT.

PASQUALIN AWARDED GRANT THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

Knowles Senior Fellow Jordan Pasqualin, a science teacher at Chicago-based Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy, was awarded a grant for $6,125 from the charitable giving department at Exelon Corporation. The grant was used to support after school robotics enrichment and supplemental materials needed for an engineering class he initiated. This year marked the third year in a row that Pasqualin received a grant from Exelon. Previous grants, awarded in the amount of $5,000 for the 2011–2012 and the 2012–2013 school year, were used to support the school’s FIRST FTC Robotics team, which he founded  in 2010.

KNOWLES SENIOR FELLOW SPENDS SUMMER AT SEA

Rosalind Echols, a physics teacher at the Philadelphia-based Science Leadership Academy, took part in the Teacher at Sea program sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In July 2013, she spent 18 days aboard ship Rainier. While on the ship, she mapped the bottom of the ocean and measured the temperature and salinity of the ocean. The students in Echols’ four fall 2013 physics classes had the chance to work with the data she helped to collect. To learn more, please read the Philly.com article written about her trip or visit her personal trip page on the NOAA website.

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR PUBLISHED WELLS’ OP-ED

On May 7, 2013, The Christian Science Monitor published an op-ed written by 2009 Teaching Fellow Lindsay Wells on “Why America’s ‘hacker generation’ can thrive as teachers.” Published on Teacher Appreciation Day, this insightful piece discusses how to keep talented teachers in the classroom.

BUSKIRK FEATURED ON PBS AFFILIATE

Knowles Senior Fellow Heather Buskirk was featured in a WMHT segment entitled WMHT Talks Education. In this segment, Buskirk discussed her work with The Learning Project, a new integrated, project-based learning experience for seniors in the Johnstown (NY) School District.

Watch the segment now to learn more about this transformative learning environment.

JENKS TOPPED DISTRICT LIST