For her outstanding work in the classroom, New York City STEM teacher Jessica Boyle has garnered a 2024 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Photo Credit: City of New York
When New York City science teacher Jessica Boyle leads her students in their hands-on study of human cardiovascular systems, diseases, and other scientific investigations, she is creating an exciting world of critical thinking, rigor, and experimentation that prepares her students for college and career readiness. For this outstanding work, Jessica has garnered a 2024 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics.
Jessica’s passion for science can be traced all the way back to her own days as a student, when she attended a lecture by world-renowned anthropologist and primatologist Jane Goodall. That lecture triggered Jessica’s interest in physical anthropology. As a result, she completed courses in osteology, human genetics, and archeology, and even participated in a dig site in Illinois during her summers. Eventually, this passion led Jessica to complete her Master’s degree in Anthropology at New York University, an internship with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for New York City, and an internship as an anthropological consultant at New York University’s College of Dentistry.
When Jessica accepted a position as a science education teacher in 2006, she was assigned to instruct courses in biology, earth science, forensic anthropology, and anatomy and physiology. As an after school program, she introduced curriculum in human biology and disease. In 2013, Jessica was hired by the Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy, where she served as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team, the Chair of the Science Department, and a Model Teacher. She also served as a mentor with the Mentoring in Medicine program where she helped under-represented students enter the medical field.
For her outstanding work as a STEM (Science, Technology, engineering, and Mathematics) educator, Jessie is one of seven educators who have garnered a 2024 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. The award spotlights teachers who go above and beyond to help their students succeed, inspiring young people to excel in science and mathematics and to pursue careers in related fields. Each recipient receives a crystal trophy and a cash prize of $5,000. An additional $2,000 goes to the school’s Science or Mathematics Department. To learn more, click on this link to the Sloan Awards.
