Atlanta’s top math and science educators were honored at the Siemens Science Teacher Awards Ceremony at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Award recipients earned a trophy -- and trophy case -- to emphasize the importance of celebrating math and science excellence in the city's schools. The honored teachers are featured with Siemens executives.
Back row: Amber Henry, Sabrina Isdell, Reshawndra Hutchins, Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, VP, Siemens Foundation, Laura Wilson, Nancy Hilliard Brim
Front row: Bappa Choudhury, VP, Siemens Medical Solutions, David Schaar, Susan Brooks, Lynda Jarrard, Jared Rashford, Shay Buchanan.
Susan Brooks
Renfroe Middle School
Decatur, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 7th grade Life Science
Years Teaching: 19 years
Education: B.S. and a M.S. from the University of Georgia and a specialist’s degree in Education from Emory University.
Accomplishments: Susan is a published scientist who contributes to publications including Science Scope Magazine. Her goal in teaching is to make science and math relevant and interesting to children – seemingly simple interactive experiments can evolve into extensive discussions of dependent and independent variables.
Mason Elementary School
Duluth, Georgia
Subjects Taught: Kindergarten -5th grade Science
Years Teaching: 7 years
Education: B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University and M.Ed., Ed.S. in Language and Literacy from the University of Georgia.
Accomplishments: Shay is currently the science specialist, rotating through classrooms for 45 minutes of inquiry-driven science instruction. She works in a collaborative environment that uses hands on lessons, so that students use critical thinking and work cooperatively to problem solve and make real world connections.
Lakeside High School
Atlanta, Georgia
Subjects Taught:10th and 11th grade Gifted Chemistry, 11th and 12th grade Test Prep
Years Teaching: 17 years
Education: B.S. in Biology from the University of the South and a M.A. in Secondary Education (science emphasis) from San Jose State.
Accomplishments: Nancy believes all teachers need to show how science relates to students’ everyday lives. She has used projects – such as expanding a marshmallow to instruct gas laws – to demonstrate how science can be fun and relevant to her students.
Ola Middle School
McDonough, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 8th grade Physical Science
Years Teaching: 10 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Agnes Scott College, and a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education, State University of West Georgia.
Accomplishments: Amber has taught in Henry County Schools since 1998 and is a “train the trainer” for 8th grade science performance standards. She is one of three finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science. Amber defines a successful lesson as one in which all of her students are actively engaged.
Pointe South Middle School
Jonesboro, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 6th grade math and science; 7th and 8th grade science
Years Teaching: 7 years
Education: Master’s Degree in Science Education and teacher certifi cation from Mercer University.
Accomplishments: Reshawndra serves as science department chair, is a part of the leadership team, and was the GPS Coach for her school’s science implementation. She holds many leadership roles in the district science department and regularly teaches professional development courses to teachers in Clayton County.
Mundy’s Mill High School
Jonesboro, Georgia
Subjects Taught: Honors/Gifted Biology and 9th grade Biology
Years Teaching: 6 years
Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, University of Georgia.
Accomplishments: Sabrina’s educational background is in Secondary Science with an emphasis in Biology; she holds a clear/renewable teaching certificate in science grades 7-12 and is gifted certified. Many of her students have advanced to the state science fair. She has presented professional development to Clayton County teachers, and has served as a school leader and GPS coach for the science implementation.
Creekland Middle School
Canton, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 7th grade Life Science
Years Teaching: 8 years
Education: B.S. in Middle Grades Math and Science at Kennesaw State University and M.Ed. and Ed.S. in Middle Grades Math and Science at Brenau University.
Accomplishments: Lynda was named “Teacher of the Year” by Creekland Middle School. Her most successful lesson involves genetics and challenges students to determine traits such as eye color. Lynda uses a Smartboard and Qwizdom to allow students to actively participate in learning.
Alpharetta High School
Alpharetta, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 9th grade Biology and Gifted Seminars
Years Teaching: 8 years
Education: B.S. in Biology and Spanish from Duke University, and a M.A. Ed. from Wake Forest in Science Education. Jared is currently a fourth-year Ph.D. student at Georgia State in Science Education.
Accomplishments: Jared has chaired the Talented and Gifted Program since its inception, and participates in the academic bowl, math team, weekend academic competitions, and field trips. Jared makes the discipline real for his students through concrete experiences that demonstrate biological principles.
Decatur High School
Decatur, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 10th - 12th grade Physics, Chemistry, Traditional Physics
Years Teaching: 3 years
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies at Washington University and Master’s Degree in Physics from Emory University.
Accomplishments: In his third year, David has shown compassion and creativity working with students who haven’t succeeded in science. His project-based style helps make the information relevant to his students and encourages success.
West Forsyth High School
Cumming, Georgia
Subjects Taught: 9th grade Physical Science, Physics and Chemistry
Years Teaching: 4 years
Education: B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech and M.S. in Secondary Science Education from Piedmont College.
Accomplishments: Laura is Science Department Chair at West Forsyth, a new school that emphasizes quality science classes that encourage students to make connections between class learning and everyday life. A distance learning course will be offered by Georgia Tech next year. Her goal is to encourage students to apply science to the world around them.
