Kirk Beckendorf
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Beckendorf has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. As a master teacher he helped bring innovative curricula to the school districts in which he worked, mentored new teachers and led efforts to implement inquiry based instruction into the schools. He coached award winning teams of students competing in state Robotics and Science Olympiad contests.
Diligent in his efforts to bring new science in and out of the classroom, Beckendorf took his students on numerous field trips for the purpose of geo-caching, stream ecology, and exploring the stars. He also participated in many research experiences for teachers; working with scientists in Anatarctica, the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and in National Forests.
After his first year as an Einstein Fellow Mr. Beckendorf spelled out two key take-home points:
"First- I became acutely aware of the number of different types of communities of educators that exist. Museums, aquariums, nature and science centers, schools, state national and local parks, etc. these all are education institutions. These communities can benefit and learn from each other if we will only communicate with one another, but often this communication does not happen.
Second- Teachers are swamped with the day to day realities of surviving and prospering in the classroom. However, as teacher/learners it is essential that we step back and reflect and then act on our own instruction, on our acquisition of knowledge, on our students learning, and on state and national policies which impact our classrooms and our students.
In his second year as a Fellow, Beckendorf looks forward to continuing to work with top science education leaders in Washington, DC and around the country to bring his perspective “from the trenches to the table”.
Contact Kirk at kirk.beckendorf@noaa.gov
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Canipe was a Teaching Assistant for two years at both The University of North Carolina, where she earned a B. S . in Biology, and The University of New Hampshire, where she did graduate studies in Zoology. For the past 12 years, she has taught science (grades 3-8) in Greensboro, NC.
Canipe has also blazed trails in other science teaching contributions such as authoring “Silence, Thoreau, and a Covenant”, a chapter featured in the monograph “The Inner Life of the Child in Nature: Presence and Practice” in 2008. In 2005, she was selected for a National Endowment for the Humanities Teacher Institute (NEH). Canipe has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“My educational studies were focused on science from a scientist’s perspective rather than a teacher’s perspective…this is why I have a unique and rigorous outlook on science education and seek programs that expand the horizons of my teaching practice”, says Canipe.
Canipe hopes to use her Fellowship experience to bring a broader awareness of under-representation of women in STEM professions and to speak on behalf of her community about other related issues in science education. She will serve her Fellowship in the Office of Polar Programs at The National Science Foundation (NSF) headquartered in Washington, DC.
Contact Marti at mcanipe@nsf.gov
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Davies earned both his B.S. in Biology and Teaching Credential in Life Science at Humboldt State University. For nearly 15 years, he has taught middle and high school science in California and Oregon with the last two years at West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon.
Davies has blazed trails in Oregon and the science education industry. He has actively participated in several research fellowships such as the M.J. Murdock: Partners in Science at Portland State University and the Industry Initiative for Science & Math Educators (IISME) in Berkeley, CA. Davies has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
"Being a teacher challenges me daily, in various ways, some new and some repeatedly. I relish these challenges not only in my attempt to foster the next generation of scientists but in getting each and every one of my students excited about science. I want them all to be science-literate as they head out into the world".
During my tenure in Washington DC I look forward to both sharing my experience and expertise with the scientists, agency workers and policy makers who are guiding STEM education and to hear from them, and the cohort of Einstein Fellows what is being done, what is being successful and what are promising ventures we might pursue to further STEM education". Davies will serve his Fellowship at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy headquartered in Washington, DC.
Contact Jonathan at Jonathan.Davies@ee.doe.gov
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Originally from Washington State, Edou obtained her B.A. in Mathematics at Whittier College and her M.Ed. in Secondary Education of Mathematics through the College of New Jersey’s program in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Educational Leadership at Seattle University. Most recently, Edou taught secondary math and science and worked as a math coach for the Renton School District, renowned for its diversity and staff commitment. Edou also shares this philosophy on diversity and is passionate about the strengths it can bring to a classroom and to society as a whole.
During her 16 years as an educator, Edou has blazed trails abroad as well and has acquired a global perspective on education. A testament to her diversity philosophy, she has taught in three educational systems: Gabonese, French, and U.S. Edou has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“Have you ever given children something to figure out and seen all the ways that they solve it? All people, especially children, have amazing imaginations and abilities to think and discover truth about this world. When we listen and learn from each other with all of our viewpoints, we grow ourselves as individuals and we harness the great creative potential that diversity can bring.”
Edou hopes to use her Fellowship experience to bring about a broader awareness of equity, cultural competency, and diversity and how they connect to STEM education. She will serve her Fellowship in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists.
Contact Tracey at tracey.edou@science.doe.gov
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Kristen Edwards earned her B.A. in Biology at the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing her Masters in Marine Science at the University of South Alabama. She has also studied abroad in Costa Rica as a recipient of a Miller-Levine Tropical Biology Scholarship. Edwards has been teaching science (grades 10-12) in the Lee County School District for almost ten years.
Edwards is resourceful in finding ways to obtain supplies for her classroom as well as seeking out grants and more funding to purchase science-related tools to enhance her students’ hands-on knowledge in the classroom. Edwards has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“My school is located in a severely economically depressed region – nearly all of our students qualify for free or reduced lunches. I received very limited funding each year and had to do something in order to provide my students with laboratory supplies and content specific software through small grants from various sources,” says Edwards.
Edwards hopes to use her Fellowship year to increase her knowledge as well as bring further awareness of issues in STEM education to the national front. She also wants to bring the perspective and concerns of her community and school district to the national level. She will serve her fellowship at the office of education at NASA headquartered in Washington, DC.
Contact Kristen at kristen.a.edwards@nasa.gov
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Mark D. Greenman has served as a physics teacher, teacher mentor, K-12 computer director, K-12 science director and K-12 math director for the town of Marblehead, a suburb north of Boston, for 30-years. He also has worked with over 400 Massachusetts’ chemistry and physics teachers providing 2-week content and pedagogically rich summer science institutes through grants from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Mark has published articles ranging from topics in teaching methodology, teacher preparation, computer education, and technical papers on electrodynamics and electronics, and he continues to share best practices and his enthusiasm for teaching and learning with other educators through presentations and workshops at national and regional science conferences.
Mark brings to his teaching a passion for science and a philosophy about science teaching that can be succinctly expressed as “nature speaks.” His teaching style is that of a facilitator and arbiter of intellectual debate. Mark’s class whether for young adults, new teachers, or veteran teachers is filled with high expectations for all, lively and respectful dialog, and humor.
Mark holds a M.S. in physics, and a B.A. in physics with a minor in mathematics. Mark has served as a Boston University Fellow, been inducted into the physics honor society (Sigma Pi Sigma), math honor society (Kappa Mu Epsilon), and he is recipient of the Massachusetts Educational Technology Advisory Council’s prestigious Path Finder award, the North Shore Science Supervisors’ Exemplary Teacher award, the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, and is a finalist from the state of Massachusetts for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
Contact Mark at mgreenma@nsf.gov
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Guevara earned his B.S. in Biology at Universidad del Valle, his M.S. in Fisheries & Allied Cultures at Auburn University, and his Ph.D. in Educational Administration at the University of South Carolina. Guevara brings decades of teaching experience from secondary, post-secondary, community education and outreach, extension and informal education settings in the U.S., Colombia, and Mexico. For the past 9 years, he has worked in Texas high schools located in low socio-economic status neighborhoods in the Houston Metropolitan area.
Guevara has blazed trails in Texas school districts and the science education industry. He authored a project-based learning model, which has improved academic achievement, classroom management, and parental involvement for at-risk students enrolled in five Texan Independent school districts -- Alvin, Galveston, Hitchcock, Houston, and Waller. During his nine year tenure, he has also identified gaps in science education for limited English proficiency in students, defined as English Language Learners (ELL). Most ELL students initially show self-learned helplessness, low self-esteem, and lack of motivation to learn science. Guevara has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“I combine inquiry based, hands-on, and problem-based instruction with activities in the classroom as well as workshops and focus groups. I always place paramount importance in empowering the students, enabling them to assume full responsibility in their decision-making process. They become well-qualified practitioners and environmentally conscious individual capable of making informed decisions”, says Guevara.
Guevara hopes to use this year of Fellowship to bring more awareness about issues confronted by at-risk students in Texas. He will serve his fellowship at the office of Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA) in Washington, DC.
Contact Eduardo at Eduardo.guevara@mail.house.gov
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Hannum earned his B.A. in Physics and Math from Kalamazoo College and his M.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics. He also taught at the American International School in Salzburg, Austria.
For nine years, he taught Physics in the District of Columbia Public School system and is an adjunct professor of Education at American University. His teaching style is grounded in experiential learning to engage students in activities that encourage intuitive mathematic skills and investigation.
Hannum has encouraged students each year to prepare for engineering competitions such as the FIRST robotics team competition, which has cultivated many student inventors as well as more minorities and girls to pursue careers in STEM. Hannum has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
Hannum hopes to use this year of Fellowship to bring more awareness about the vast opportunities for minorities to move into science, technology, or engineering professions. He will serve the second year of his fellowship at The National Science Foundation (NSF) office of Directorate for Education and Human Resources Graduate Teaching Fellowships in K-12 Education headquartered in Washington, DC.
Contact Mark at mhannum@nsf.gov
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Beckendorf has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. As a master teacher he helped bring innovative curricula to the school districts in which he worked, mentored new teachers and led efforts to implement inquiry based instruction into the schools. He coached award winning teams of students competing in state Robotics and Science Olympiad contests. Diligent in his efforts to bring new science in and out of the classroom, Beckendorf took his students on numerous field trips for the purpose of geo-caching, stream ecology, and exploring the stars. He also participated in many research experiences for teachers; working with scientists in Antarctica, the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and in National Forests. After his first year as an Einstein Fellow Mr. Beckendorf spelled out two key observations about teaching and learning:
"First- I became acutely aware of the number of different types of communities of educators that exist. Museums, aquariums, nature and science centers, schools, state national and local parks, etc. these all are education institutions. These communities can benefit and learn from each other if we find new ways communicate with one another, but often this communication does not happen".
Second- Teachers are overwhelmed with the day-to-day realities of surviving and prospering in the classroom. However, as teacher/learners it is essential that we step back, reflect and then act- on our professional evaluation of need , on our acquisition of knowledge, on our students’ learning, and on state and national policies which impact our classrooms and our students. In his second year as a Fellow, Beckendorf looks forward to continuing to work with top science education leaders in Washington, DC and around the country to bring his perspective “from the trenches to the table”.
Contact Kirk at kirk.janowiak@science.doe.gov
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In India, Jayarao earned her B.S. in Math, Physics, and Chemistry at Nizam College, her M.S. in Physics at Hyderabad Central University, and her Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics/Math at Bhabha Atomic Research Center and Mumbai University. Prior to moving to the U.S., she worked for more than 15 years as a theoretical physicist with Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) at Mumbai, India. Since, she has dedicated to teaching science in Fairfax County for more than ten years.
Jayarao has also blazed trails in the science community. She sent several teams of her students to participate in HHMI’s medical symposiums, Georgetown University’s Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, ACS’s Chemagination, NSTA’s ExploraVision, and Team America Rocketry Challenge. Jayarao also employed her research experiences to open doors for girls to pursue summer internships at NASA, NIH, and The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and and Cancer Research Institutes.
Dr. Jayarao is the 2008 recipient of Governor’s Outstanding Educator Award and the 2007 Coach Award for Regional Winners of NSTA-Toshiba’s Exploravision Competition. She remains an active participant in enrichment programs in Fairfax County through her volunteer activities in science and engineering fairs. Jayarao has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“I am passionate about science and enthusing girls about science. This is my top priority at Oakcrest. I coached three young women who conceived a nanotech futuristic device that notifies and treats someone having a heart attack…this was one of my proudest moments”, says Jayarao.
Jayarao hopes to gain a better understanding of policy-making that impacts underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields, enhances teacher quality and promotes innovative methods of science education.
Contact Arundhati at Arundhati_Jayarao@gillibrand.senate.gov
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Johnson views her Einstein Fellowship as a unique opportunity and as a challenge. She writes, “Throughout my professional journey, in both private and public sectors, I have embraced challenges with creativity, confidence and excitement. All of my professional experiences have been shaped by my commitment to excellence, continued growth, and meaningful contribution.” Johnson hopes to use the fellowship as an opportunity to continue to contribute to the growth, education and professional development of her students and colleagues.
In addition to teaching at the high school and middle school levels, she has also worked as an adjunct college professor. Prior to her work as an educator, Johnson worked as a software engineer. Johnson is a passionate educator who inspires her students to excellence by offering them a direct bridge from their daily academics to the world of professional experience. Johnson has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
Johnson hopes that her experience as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow will support her goal to become a leader in technology education and instructional technology and media. Johnson will serve her fellowship at the National Science Foundation in the Office of Directorate for Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering (CISE) – PAEMST.
Contact Kera at kerjohns@nsf.gov
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Matis has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of this honor. Matis is an honors graduate of the University of Denver, earning her B.A. in Political Science & General Engineering in 1997, and Master of Education in Teaching and Learning from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2005. For the past ten years, Matis has been committed to teaching math and science in inner-city public schools in both California and New York.
While at Harvard, Matis was recruited to serve as Instructional Leader for Math and Science, working alongside Harvard graduates and veteran educators from New York to design and open New Day Academy, a small public school in the South Bronx, NY. In 2006, Matis returned to full-time classroom instruction at East Side Community High School as an Algebra teacher. She was the recipient of a Fund for Teachers Fellowship and traveled to Mexico during the summer of 2008. While there, Matis attended the 11th International Congress on Mathematics Education, and took intensive Spanish language courses to better communicate with the families of her students on Lower East Side of Manhattan.
“After 10 years of teaching math and science in urban, public schools, I have come to see STEM education almost as a civil rights issue. Inner-city students deserve a higher level of quality hands-on math, science and technology experiences than they often get due to budget constraints or lack of teacher expertise or resources. I chose to apply for the Einstein because I want to make a broader impact in terms of STEM education opportunities in urban school settings.”
Matis hopes to bring her ideas about math education, her experience and passion for serving the needs of urban youth, and her own background in engineering, to the Office of Broadening Participation in Computing at the National Science Foundation. The goal of the BPC resonates with Matis’ own goal to ultimately increase the number of underrepresented groups in the STEM fields.
Matis will serve her fellowship at the National Science Foundation in the Directorate of Computer & Information Science & Engineering.
Contact Camsie at cmatis@nsf.gov
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John Moore earned his undergraduate degrees in Urban Planning and Environmental Science from Stockton State College in New Jersey and his Master’s degree in Environmental Conservation and Education from Rowan University in New Jersey. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Science Education at Temple University. For the nearly three decades, he has taught science and Geospatial Technologies (grades 9-12) in Medford, NJ.
John has blazed trails within New Jersey and the science education industry. He is an American Meteorological Society Education Resource Agent and works in Pre-College Teacher Enhancement through Project Atmosphere and the Maury Project. He was recognized on three occasions in 1989, 1998 and 1999 as the NJ Conservation Teacher of the Year by the NJ Department of Agriculture and the 1994 Environmental Educator of the Year by the NJ Audubon Society. Moore has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“Providing students with opportunities that makes learning meaningful to their personal life and career development, while better understanding the Earth as a System, has been both rewarding and challenging. Our class “motto”, “To Observe the Earth and Visualize the Future” captures the essence of the mission and content of the program.
John will serve his fellowship at the National Science Foundation in the Office of Directorate for Geosciences.
Contact John at jdmoore@nsf.gov
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Dennis Newell earned his B.A. in Elementary Education from Newman University in Wichita, KS and his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Emporia State University in Emporia, KS. His teaching in the Emporia Public School system over the last 30 years have included math, computer technology, science and technical education.
Newellis National Board Certified in Early Adolescence Science, with English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. As a graduate of the Department of Energy’s Academies Creating Teacher Scientist Program (DOE ACTS), he models problem based learning, science inquiry, and pedagogy to practicing teachers on local, state and national levels. His current role includes writing new standards-based curriculum for middle school technical education programs with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) emphasis. He has served on various state boards including Kansas Association of Middle Level Educators, Kansas Association of Teachers of Science, and remains an active member of the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network.
This opportunity brought him a new enthusiasm for encouraging students to consider careers in any of the STEM disciplines. Newell has demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“It is my goal that students become lifelong learners and develop skills that will allow them to be successful in a world not yet created. My opportunities continue to give me an interdisciplinary perspective of how learning in each of the disciplines must work together to attain that final goal.,” says Newell.
Newell hopes to use this year of Fellowship to compare the education needs of Kansas with those across the national arena. He will serve his fellowship at the office of Informal Science Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquartered in Washington, DC.
Contact Dennis at dnewell@nsf.gov
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Obenhaus earned his B.A. cum laude in Psychology at Lubbock Christian University and both his B.A in Secondary Education/Mathematics and M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction/Science at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, MO. For nearly 22 years, he has taught Math (grades 9-12) in Kansas with the last sixteen years at Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kansas.
Obenhaus has blazed trails in Kansas and the math education industry. He actively participates in several organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Science Teachers Association, and the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network. He was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics teaching in 2007.
"Students learn best when they are working to solve actual problems in the context of real-world situations. It is in these contexts that they see math, not as a subject that is statically absorbed, but as a valuable dynamic tool for understanding and solving the tasks they will encounter in their lives. I would not have left the classroom to become an Einstein Fellow if I didn’t think that I could have an impact shaping policy decisions which directly impact the lives of the students I left behind.”
Obenhaus will serve his fellowship at the Office of Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).
Contact Steve at Steven_Obenhaus@lieberman.senate.gov
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Heather Pacheco earned her B.S. in Geology and Geological Oceanography at The University of Rhode Island and her M.Ed. in Science Education at The University of Massachusetts at Boston. For the past eight years, she has taught Science and Chemistry (grades 9-12) at Framingham High School. She also worked as a Technical Engineer for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
Pacheco has participated in high caliber professional development studies such as The Maury Project, the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR/UCAR) workshops, in the Colorado School of Mines Programs, and the Urban Ecology Summer Institutes (UEI) at Boston College. She has developed curriculum materials and worked on beta-testing programs with her students for UEI, TERC and NASA. She was awarded the Above and Beyond Award for the teaching of STEM by the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council for her work integrating GIS into the Earth Systems curriculum. These experiences have served to broaden and enrich her perspectives on curriculum development and implementation in the classroom.
"Students learn by doing and by applying what they learn, by making connections between the practical and scientific theory. Understanding how the world works empowers students when they become decision-makers and active participants in society”, says Pacheco.
Pacheco hopes to use this year of Fellowship to increase both Earth Systems Literacy and the connections between current researchers and K-12 educators in our nation. She will serve her fellowship at the Directorate for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquartered in Washington, DC.
Contact Heather at hpacheco@nsf.gov
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Peña earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and her M.S. in Education at Nova Southeastern University. For six years, she has been teaching eighth grade Science in the Palm Beach County Public School district. She has also studied abroad at The University of Valladolid in Spain and participated in the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher program and the Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica .
Peña has secured several grants for science related programs in her community and serves as a mentor for beginning teachers. She has also provided professional development throughout Palm Beach County. She coordinated her school’s first Girl Scout troop where she incorporated STEM activities into their projects. By challenging the troop members and her students’ thinking, she has motivated them to succeed in science through hands-on exploration. Peña has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“One of my goals as a science teacher is to develop critical thinkers by creating meaningful cross-curricular lessons. Its an important teaching tool to use the community as a resource. They extend the boundaries of the classroom to reach students that have not had success in a normal classroom setting”, says Peña.
Peña hopes to use this year of Fellowship to bring more awareness about community organizations and government creating more scholarships for students of under-served populations so they can participate in science and mathematics (STEM) opportunities. She will serve her fellowship at the office of the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings at the National Science Foundation (NSF) headquartered in Arlington, VA .
Contact Anthonette at apena@nsf.gov
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Peterson earned her B.S. in Chemistry at UCLA as well as both her M.S and Ph.D. degrees in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Washington. She has been dedicated to teaching grades 5-12 for more than 11 years in Seattle and is committed to science, math, and technology education.
She gravitated to middle school because she feels it is a key point where students learn to integrate mathematical and scientific ideas, while simultaneously developing their metacognitive abilities.
Outside of teaching, Peterson also served on a National Research Council project to attract scientists to careers in K-12 education. She has taught math for Rainier Scholars, and worked in conjunction with the Woodland Park Zoo’s education department and is a recipient of the University of Washington’s Department of Chemistry Outstanding Student Service Award. Peterson has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“In middle school, students are encouraged to think about what they know and how they know it. I encourage my students to share their thought-process because it is critical to taking risks and achieving growth. I hope that my students ask questions and make mistakes, for each is an opportunity for learning”, says Peterson.
Kristina hopes to listen, learn, and question with the aim of contributing to policy and programs that keep in mind what is best for children. "I hope to come away from my fellowship experience with more ideas of how my students - and all students - can engage in making programs responsive to their needs". Peterson will serve her fellowship in the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Contact Kristina at kristina.peterson@mail.house.gov
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Simmons earned both his B.A and B.S at North Carolina State University in Chemistry and Biochemistry. For the past 9 years, Simmons has taught Physics, Chemistry, and Aerospace in Northeast Florida.
Simmons has blazed trails in the state of Florida and within the science community as well. He is the Founder and President of TEKNA-THEOS Inc., a non-profit whose mission is “to better educate students through space related biochemical and engineering research.” He and his TTI students have designed a prototype bioreactor built by NASA contractors to investigate microgravity induced astronaut bone loss. He has served as Principal Investigator and won several research and education grants that have funded many aerospace projects.
Simmons took his students to both Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. to lobby the Governor and legislators for increased aerospace funding. He and his students have won countless awards and participated in competitions such as the Army Corps of Engineering High School competitions and placed first and as national finalists in the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation competitions. Simmons has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
"Having been a boys and girls volleyball coach for several years I see the classroom value of being not only one who instructs and informs, but also one who edifies. While I believe that group problem solving and competitions are tremendous mechanisms for learning, a teacher/coach's enthusiastic support has a powerful and lasting effect. Having high expectations while encouraging students to do the impossible produces not only great results, but helps to develop great students."
During this fellowship, Kevin hopes to contribute to the Foundation's understanding of the national need to engage students in engineering and space related competitive activities. At NSF he expects to gain a better understanding of the importance of the Industrial Innovations and Partnerships programs to our nation's economy, and learn how to better inform his community as to its numerous educational possibilities in the Directorate for Engineering.
Contact Kevin at kesimmon@nsf.gov
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Nancy Spillane earned her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Vermont and later earned her M.Ed. in Teacher Education at the same institution. For the past 12 years, she has taught Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and AP Chemistry (grades 7-12), as well as middle school Life Science and Physical Science at The Williams School, an independent day school in New London, CT.
Nancy earned the Brian J. Carey Award for Teacher Excellence and was awarded grants and scholarships for travel and academic study from the Ford Foundation, Pfizer, and Siemens. She has twice been recognized with a Groton Fried of Education Award for Volunteer efforts in the local public schools. Spillane has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“Students learn by doing and by applying what they learn, by making connections between the practical and scientific theory. Understanding how the world works empowers students when they become decision-makers and active participants in society”, says Spillane.
Spillane will serve her fellowship at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Directorate for Education and Human Resources – PAEMST.
Contact Nancy at nspillan@nsf.gov
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Tolbert earned both his B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at The University of North Carolina. For the past 7 years, he has taught Mechanical Engineering, Technology, Electronics, and Architectural Drafting (grades 9-12) for the Wilkes County School system.
Tolbert has blazed trails at his school and the science education industry. In 2003, he developed the Electric Vehicle Challenge (E.V.) program to allow students an opportunity to excel academically through E.V. competitions that involve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM education). The E.V. program also serves to educate the community and the nation by demonstrating viable solutions to our country’s most pressing energy, transportation, and security issues.
He was honored as West Wilkes High School Teacher of the Year in 2008 and, in four years, the E.V. program has received national recognition by receiving more than thirty awards throughout the country. Tolbert has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
Motivation alone does not produce success but is a key component in the mix of education, resources and time.
Tolbert views the Einstein Fellowship as a unique opportunity and challenge where his past experience will help contribute positive growth and direction to S.T.E.M. education. He expects the fellowship will allow him to grow professionally and acquire skills and resources needed to improve the E.V. program and S.T.E.M. education in Wilkes County. Mr. Tolbert will have the opportunity to work alongside individuals at the National Science Foundation in the Office of Cyberinfrastructure and collaborate with other fellows and government agencies that include the Department of Energy, NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and fellows assigned to Congress and House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology.
Contact Chris at ctolbert@nsf.gov
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Van Dusen earned his B.A. in Physics at the University of California at Berkeley and his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership at the University of Oregon. For the past five years, he has taught Physics and IB Physics (grades 9-12) at South Eugene High School, recognized by the U.S. Department of education as a premier high school in the nation.
Ben has blazed trails internationally, throughout Oregon, and the science education industry. He and his father invented the world’s largest completely three-dimensional model of the solar system that extends through a series of parks. He also designed an installation for the Portland Museum of Art that utilizes mirrors to create an interactive fractal image. He was awarded several grants such as the MJ Murdock Partners in Science Grant that allowed him to begin a new independent research project at the University of Oregon in the Taylor lab. Van Dusen has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
“I don’t teach in order to instruct kids on what to think. I teach in order to instruct kids on how to think.”
Ben hopes to be part of the national discussion on science education policy and reform. He will serve his fellowship at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Directorate for Engineering.
Contact Ben at bvanduse@nsf.gov
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Sue Whitsett earned both her B.S. in Biology/Secondary Education and her M.S. in Curriculum and Supervision/Science at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent and Young Adulthood Science. For the past 29 years, she has taught all levels of biology (grades 7-12) in the Fond du Lac and Oshkosh area school districts in Wisconsin.
Whitsett has blazed trails in Wisconsin and the science education industry. On three occasions, she was a state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Whitsett was a member of the State Superintendent’s Task Force on Adolescent Literacy and contributes to two Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction documents dealing with state science curriculum. She has been awarded several grants such as the Toyota TAPESTRY grant in 2001 to help students conduct research on the retention ponds that house the geothermal heat exchange system for their school’s heating and cooling systems.
Whitsett will serve her fellowship at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate of Biological Sciences, Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences.
Contact Susan at swhitset@nsf.gov
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Establishing and strengthening the links between her students and the greater educational community are professional goals about which Sarah Yue is passionate. She brings in college professors to work with her Science Olympiad team, takes her high school students to the elementary school to demonstrate chemistry lessons, and has led her Interact Club on a service trip to an orphanage in Mexico.
Yue has a rich background in scientific research, co-authoring two papers and participating in research projects both locally and abroad. She is a Barry Goldwater scholar and has written a laboratory manual featuring creative science experiments for secondary students. She was honored by Los Angeles County as the 2005 Teacher of the Year. Yue has long demonstrated excellence and dedication to teaching worthy of the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship.
Yue will serve her fellowship at the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of International Science and Engineering.
Contact Sarah at syue@nsf.gov