Tag Archives: Science Teachers

Dr. Erick Hueck inducted into 20223 class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame

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Florida science teacher Dr. Erick Hueck has just been inducted into the 2023 class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Photo credit: NTHF

I enjoy sharing stories about exemplary educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Dr. Erick Hueck, a science teacher from Miami, Florida. Erick is one of five educators nationwide who have been inducted into the 2023 class of the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF).

Erick’s career as an educator spans 34 years. Currently, he teaches Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry to freshmen through seniors at Miami Senior High School in Miami. In previous years, he  taught Biology, Earth Space, Physical Science, and General Science there. In addition, for 32 years the honored teacher has served as the advisor for his school’s chapter of the National Beta Honor Society. In addition to his work in the classroom, Erick serves as the President of the Dade County Science Teachers’ Association.

As a result of years of professional experience, Erick can offer some sage advice for his colleagues. ​“You must have passion at the core of your intent,” he asserts, “understand that there will be good days and bad days, continue to learn and evolve; take care of yourself and listen to the voice inside your head, you are only as good as you feel.”

Erick’s induction in the NTHF is not the only recognition he has earned. In 2013 he was named the Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Florida Association of Science Teachers. The next year, he garnered the Phebe and Zephaniah Swift More Teaching Award from Amherst College. In 2022, Erick was named the NEA California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence, and that same year he earned the Yale Educator Award.

A 1983 graduate of Columbine High School in Colorado, Erick continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry in 1987. He earned his Master’s degree in Science Education from the University of Miami in 1990, and his PHD in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2009.

The National Teachers Hall of Fame was founded in 1989 in Emporia, Kansas, to honor outstanding educators through a recognition program and museum. Nominees must be certificated public or non-public school teachers, active or retired, with at least 20 years of experience in teaching grades preK-12. Since the inaugural induction ceremonies in 1992, 145 educators from 40 states and the District of Columbia have been inducted. To learn more about the program, click on this link to the NTHF.

 

Teacher Julie Plawecki served in the Michigan House of Reps

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Former science and math teacher Julie Plawecki also served her community in the Michigan State House of Representatives. Photo credit: Michigan State House of Representatives

Many excellent educators have also served their community in political office. Julie Plawecki, a science and math teacher from Michigan who also served in the Michigan State House of Representatives, is a fine example of this.

Julie was born on Aug. 27, 1961. As a youngster, she attended Warren Public Schools in Warren, Michigan. Once she graduated from high school, she enrolled at Michigan’s Oakland University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and General Science. She earned her teaching certificate from the University of Michigan, Dearborn.

After completing her education, Julie worked  as a medical technologist. She married and became the mother of three daughters. She was also the leader of a Brownie troop and a school volunteer.

When she went into the teaching profession, Julie taught science, math, and religion in Catholic schools at both the secondary and elementary school levels. For ten years, she taught at St. Robert Bellarmine in Redford, Michigan. She also coached the school’s Science Olympiad team. In all, her career as an educator spanned 13 years. During that time, she was a member of the National Science Teachers Association and the Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

In Nov., 2014, Julie was elected on the Democratic ticket to represent the 11th District, which includes Garden City, Inkster, parts of Dearborn heights, Livonia, and Westland. Even though her term of office was short, she was still able to champion issues related to education, seniors, veterans, energy, health policy, campaign reform, and the environment. She also was involved in Project Dignity Outreach, a charitable group that feeds the homeless in Detroit every weekend.

Sadly, Julie passed away on June 25, 2016, after suffering a heart attack while hiking in Smith Rock State Park in Oregon. She was only 54 years old.

 

Ideas for curriculum and activities for Earth Day observances

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Many teachers know that Earth Day is coming! The occasion will be celebrated on April 22. And 2023 is the 53rd anniversary of the first observance of this popular non-secular holiday. This year’s theme is Invest in Our Planet. These teachers are busy right now researching resources, developing curriculum, and designing activities for their learners.

Young students can, and do, make a big difference in helping to protect the earth’s environment. As an educator, you have the opportunity to spark a passion in students that will drive them to do their part. Here are just a few different kinds of activities you could add to your lesson plans to inspire your students this Earth Day.

Most people associate Earth Day with recycling, and that is a great place to start, especially because it’s an action students can participate in right away. If you want to incorporate activities on recycling in your Earth Day lesson plan, check out these ideas teach your students how to reduce, re-use, and recycle.

Another simple way that teachers can observe Earth Day is to take their students on a nature walk, whether that’s in a local park, on a nearby forest trail, or on school grounds, depending on what’s accessible in the area. Going on a nature walk is not only about celebrating Earth Day, it’s also an opportunity for learning experiences in a variety of subjects such as science, geography, math, and art. Other activities include collecting seeds, or identifying and cataloguing plants, insects, or birds. Older students could establish a garden or composting pile, plant a tree, or raise the money to sponsor tree planting in a national park.

Check out additional suggestions in this Earth Day provided by Education World. Teachers could also explore these suggestions by Project Learning Tree. For secondary students, consider these options suggested by Suburban Science.

Feel free to mention additional ideas or websites for resources in the comments section!

Carolyn Kielma named Connecticut’s 2023 Teacher of the Year

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Science teacher Carolyn Kielma has been selected Connecticut’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, and she. has been named one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: University of New Haven

I always enjoy casting a spotlight on outstanding educators who have been recognized for their work in the classroom. Today we celebrate Carolyn Kielma, a science teacher from Bristol, Connecticut. She has been named her state’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, and she has also been named one of five finalists for National Teacher of the Year.

Carolyn inaugurated her career as a science educator at West Haven High School, where she taught for five years. She currently teaches at Bristol Eastern High School, where she has worked for the past 15 years. She teaches courses in biology, anatomy and physiology, environmental science, and biotechnology and technology. She is also the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) coordinator on her campus. In this role, the honored educator works hard to close the achievement gap by providing opportunities that prepare all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

In addition to these professional responsibilities, Carolyn coordinates STEMonday, a monthly science, technology, engineering and mathematics challenge which connects and builds relationships between elementary and high school students. Furthermore, in 2020 Carolyn garnered a grant from Fund for Teachers to study wolves, bears, and elk at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center and in Yellowstone National Park. Then she prepares virtual lessons to share what she has learned with her urban students. And as if all this were not enough, she provides professional development for fellow educators in her district, and she travels nationwide to train teachers in engagement strategies that promote equity and inclusion.

Carolyn says she has always known she would become a teacher. “This was the career I was born to do,” she declares. “I love to be able to help young people realize their worth, discover their strengths and weaknesses, and become better humans,” she continues. “What is most meaningful to me is the connections I am able to make with my students that reach far beyond the classroom walls. I get to help make better humans who can contribute in a positive way to our society. I get to see them grow and develop throughout their high school career and long after,” she concludes.

Carolyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania in 1998. She earned her Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Haven in Connecticut in 2002.

To read more about Carolyn Kielma, see this article about her published by the University of New Haven.

Vermont teacher Susan Koch earns prestigious 2022 PAEMST

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Elementary school teacher Susan Koch of Vermont has earned a prestigious 2022 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Photo Credit: Susan Koch

It is always a pleasure to recognize exemplary teachers who have earned accolades for their work in the profession. Today we celebrate elementary school teacher Susan Koch of Vermont. She has earned a prestigious 2022 PAEMST (Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching).

Susan teaches first grade and kindergarten at Union Elementary School in Montpelier, Vermont. Her tenure there spans 13 years. Prior to her stint there, she taught at both Barre Town Middle and Elementary School. She also taught at Ferrisburgh Central School for one year, and at Bren Mar Park Elementary School during her first year of teaching.

To expand her professional repertoire, Susan attended NASA’s International Space Camp. She has also traveled to Arctic Svalbard as a Grosvenor Teaching Fellow with National Geographic/Lindblad Expeditions. Furthermore, she has partnered with the North Branch Nature Center to develop and adapt the Educating Children Outdoors (ECO) program. By incorporating nature as a teaching partner, Susan says, she offers learners an engaging, outdoor learning experience with an inquiry focus and a standards-based foundation.

“We are no longer lecturing students as they sit in a one-size-fits-all classroom,” declares Susan. “Educators are providing unique learning opportunities for students that often include forest lessons, community visits, virtual field trips, and collaborative teaching” she continues. “Students are creating their own knowledge, learning actively, setting goals, and reflecting upon their learning,” she concludes.

The PAEMST recognizes the dedication, hard work, and importance that America’s teachers play in supporting learners who will become future STEM professionals, including computer technologists, climate scientists, mathematicians, innovators, space explorers, and engineers. The PAEMST program, founded in 1983, is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The honor comes with a visit to the White House and a $10,000 cash prize.

In addition to her PAEMST, Susan was named the Vermont State Teacher of the Year in 2016. She is also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), a prestigious international professional organization that promotes the advancement of women educators.

Susan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from George Washington University and her master’s degree in Education from Southern New Hampshire University.