Jennifer Jones

Science Teacher (AP Biology, Honors Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Medicine)
The Episcopal Academy
Newtown Square, PA

Member Since: 2003

NABT Activities:

• Poster Judge at NABT Conference (2025)
• Region II Coordinator (2013 – 2015, 2025 – Present)
• OBTA Director for Delaware (2015)
• Presenter, NABT Professional Development Conference (2009, 2011, 2018)
• Reviewer, The American Biology Teacher (2009 – 2012)
• Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Winner (OBTA) for Delaware (2009)
• State Representative (Delaware) (2007 – 2012)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Biology Lead, The Episcopal Academy (2020 – Present)
• New Faculty Mentor, Tower Hill School and Episcopal Academy (2015 –Present)
• Assistant Director, Sanford Day Camp (2015 – 2024)
• Science Review Committee Member, Episcopal Academy (2018 – 2020)
• Head Class Advisor of Junior Class, Tower Hill School (2014 – 2017)
• Faculty Council Member and Co-Chair, Tower Hill School and Episcopal Academy (2014 – 2015, 2018 – 2021)

Honors & Additional Activities:

• Hirtle Innovation Award, The Episcopal Academy (2023)
• D’Ambrosio Fellowship Award, The Episcopal Academy (2020)
• Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) for Delaware (2009)

Personal Statement:

For more than twenty years, NABT has been central to my professional identity. Since joining in 2003, I have built a long history of leadership and service within the organization, including roles as State of Delaware Representative, Region II Coordinator, and OBTA Director. These roles have allowed me to support educators, strengthen regional communication, and advocate for outstanding teaching across schools and states. Presenting at NABT conferences, reviewing for The American Biology Teacher, and judging posters at regional events have further deepened my connection to this professional community.

My commitment to NABT stems from the same core values that guide my work in the classroom: collaboration, curiosity, and a belief that educators are stronger when we learn from one another. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with teachers across the country, and I’ve always been energized by the exchange of best practices and the shared desire to elevate the student experience in biology. My personal statement reflects this well: I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and innovative community among educators and to staying at the forefront of emerging tools and technologies that enhance teaching and learning.

One example is the recent acquisition of an Anatomage Table for my department — a project that grew out of my desire to expand student opportunities while creating space for local teachers to come together and explore cutting-edge anatomical technology. I am currently planning hands-on events so educators from surrounding schools can gain experience with the tool and build connections with one another. This work reflects what I value most: using the resources available to me to bring people together, build momentum, and strengthen the biology education community.

Beyond NABT, I have embraced leadership roles throughout my career, including serving as Biology Lead at The Episcopal Academy, mentoring new faculty, reviewing science curriculum, serving on and co-chairing faculty councils, and spending nearly a decade as Assistant Director of Sanford Day Camp. Each of these roles has sharpened my ability to communicate clearly, support colleagues, build consensus, and lead with steadiness and integrity.

I have been honored to receive several recognitions along the way, including the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for Delaware, the D’Ambrosio Fellowship Award, and the Hirtle Innovation Award. But awards are not what drive me. What motivates me is service — to students, to colleagues, and to an organization that has shaped my career for over two decades. I would be honored to bring my experience, energy, and unwavering dedication to the NABT Board of Directors. I care deeply about this organization and its mission, and I am eager to continue contributing to a strong, vibrant, and connected community of biology educators nationwide.

Goals for Serving on the NABT Board of Directors

If elected to the NABT Board of Directors, my goals reflect both the history that shaped me as an educator and the future I believe we can build together. After more than two decades as part of this community, I want to help move NABT forward in ways that honor its traditions while creating meaningful opportunities for teachers and students.

I want to help build a national community where every biology teacher feels seen, supported, and inspired. NABT has always been a place where educators find belonging- where experienced teachers mentor new voices and where ideas flow freely across classrooms and regions. My goal is to strengthen that sense of connection by creating more opportunities for teachers to learn from one another, share challenges honestly, and celebrate the everyday victories that define this profession.

I want to expand NABT’s role as a leader in innovative, meaningful science education. Biology evolves quickly, and our teaching should evolve with it- but in a way that feels accessible rather than overwhelming. Whether it’s integrating tools like the Anatomage Table, designing better inquiry-driven labs, or supporting teachers navigating new content standards, I hope to contribute to professional development that empowers educators and keeps students at the center of the work.

I want to elevate the voice of biology teachers nationally and advocate for the importance of what we teach. Biology shapes nearly every major issue facing society today- medicine, genetics, public health, climate, ethics. My goal is to advocate strongly for the value of biology education and to ensure NABT remains a trusted voice supporting teachers through change. I want NABT to continue being a place where tradition and innovation work hand in hand. Our field has strong foundations that shouldn’t be forgotten. At the same time, new technologies, research, and pedagogical strategies offer incredible opportunities for growth. I hope to help NABT strike that balance- protecting what has always worked while thoughtfully embracing what’s new.

I want to strengthen regional connections by creating more opportunities for in-person collaboration. One initiative I’m particularly excited about is hosting a Region II conference next fall- an event designed to bring teachers together, share powerful classroom practices, explore new technologies, and build the sense of community that makes NABT so special. My hope is that this gathering becomes a model for how regional events can energize and unite educators.

Above all, I want to help teachers feel connected to a purpose bigger than their own classrooms. The real strength of NABT lies in its people- their passion, generosity, and dedication to students. My aspiration is to contribute to a future where more educators feel that sense of belonging and leave NABT events reenergized and proud of the work they do.

Katrina Marcos

Associate Professor of Biology
Western Wyoming Community College
Rock Springs, WY

NABT Member Since 2012

NABT Activities:

• Region VIII Coordinator (2023 – Present)
• Advisory Board, The American Biology Teacher (2014 – 2016)
• Two-Year College Section Chair (2018)
• Participant, Advancing the Introductory Biology Experience Conference (IBEX) (2019)
• Participant, Intro Bio Task Force Participant (2019 – 2021)

Additional Leadership Experience:

• Wyoming Southwest Regional Science Fair Chair (2016 – Present)
• WWCC Natural Science Department Facilitator (2022 – 2025)
• Nominated to participate and completed Academic Management Institute (AMI) leadership training for women in higher education (2022 – 2023)

 Honors & Additional Activities

• Holmberg, T.J., Gusky, S., Kiser, S., Karpakakunajaram, V., Seitz, H., Fletcher, L., Fields, L., Nenortas, A., Corless, A., and Marcos, K. (2021). Biology educators, professional societies, and practitioner networks within community colleges. New Directions for Community Colleges, 2021 (194), 15-28. (2021)
• Participant, Inclusive Excellence Learning Community – A subgroup of Impact STEM Transfer (2024 - 2025)
• Wyoming NASA Space Grant Award Recipient (2022  – 2023)
• Participant, ASK Bio Workshop – Integrating Testing and Learning (2022)

Personal Statement:

I proudly consider myself a product of NABT. Since joining during my first year as a full-time faculty member, I have known nothing but welcome, encouragement, and inspiration. After 13 years of participation in NABT, I would like to pay it forward, becoming one of the welcomers, encouragers, and inspirers who so positively influenced me.

I have the capacity to work well with others, take on leadership roles and training, and volunteer (or put my name in the hat) for anything I am asked to do. To be considered to serve on the Board is an honor.

A few years ago, an NABT leader asked me, “So, what are you going to do next?”…referring to what service/leadership role I would consider next at NABT. This opportunity to expand my role and influence at NABT in this position is what I can do next. I can continue to serve NABT, focusing on the organization's goals and upholding the purpose and values, within and beyond the Director/Coordinator position's responsibilities.