Tyler Hoxley, East Hartford High School, East Hartford, CT

Tyler J. Hoxley is beginning his twentieth year teaching biology at East Hartford High School, where inquiry and technology play an important role in his classroom. Instruction in his classroom incorporates research-based effective teaching strategies. He has been actively studying and using case studies in his classroom to incorporate authentic, problem-based learning. Tyler currently serves on the Connecticut State Department of Education Next Generation Science Standards Review Committee. 

Tyler was honored by his peers in 2005 when he was selected as the East Hartford Public School District Teacher of the Year and most recently was awarded the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching (PAEMST).

Tyler has a B.S. in biology education; a M.S. in science education; and a sixth-year degree in educational leadership. Outside of school, Tyler enjoys fly-fishing and spending time with his wife, Maura, and three children, Olivia (10), Spencer (7), and Thomas (5). 

Kenneth Vencile, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME

Ken Vencile has taught Honors and Advanced Placement biology at Camden Hills Regional High School for the past 7 years. Ken's instruction is focused on fostering a passion for science by bringing lessons alive through rich and varied instruction in a rigorous environment. His teaching reaches beyond the walls of a classroom. Ken has established an immersive course in tropical marine ecology in which students conduct independent primary investigations. He collaborates with the University of Maine at Machias to offer students advanced field research experiences. He has also initiated a partnership with Maine Medical Center to bring applied science content to his students. 

Ken works as a science consultant, participates on multiple committees, mentors new service teachers, and is the school's NHS advisor. Ken has a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Maine at Machias and an M.S. in marine resources from the University of Maine. He is certified in grades 7-12 life science instruction, is National Board Certified, and is the winner of the 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching for the State of Maine.

James Dixon, Sharon High Schools, Sharon MA

Jim Dixon has been teaching Biology and AP Biology at Sharon High School since 2004. Prior to that he taught at Silver Lake Regional HS and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional HS. He is recognized as a Massachusetts Master teacher, Presidential Distinguished Teacher, and holds a Nation Board Certification. 

Jim has a B.S. from Fordham University and an M.S. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In addition to teaching at Sharon High School, he is the advisor for the iGEM (genetic engineering) team. Jim is particularly interested in developing curricula and assessments that makes science curriculum more meaningful to students. He has developed science curricula with Grant Wiggins, Harvard University and currently at MIT where he helps develop the BioBuilder.org synthetic biology curriculum.

Kristina Nicosia, West Windsor - Plainsboro High School North, Plainsboro, NJ

Kristina Susca-Nicosia graduated in 2001 from Monmouth University with a B.S. in Biology. After working as a cosmetic chemist for a short amount of time, she decided to return to Monmouth, receiving a Masters in teaching. This is her 9th year teaching at WWPHSN. She teaches varying levels of Biology, Genetics, and Forensics and is an adjunct professor at Monmouth University, where she teaches BY109 (Biodiversity & Evolution). Kristina is also a doctoral candidate at the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, where she is studying teacher leadership with a focus on science education. She is also co-author of "Lessons Learned from Citizen Science in the Classroom. A Response to The Future of Citizen Science" in Democracy and Education." She and her students are in review with Ecological Economics for the article on willingness to pay for restoration of a highly urbanized coastal watershed. 

Kristina and her husband live in Manalapan, NJ with their English Bulldog, Sadie. In her free time, she enjoys working on her house, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. 

Kelly Ryan, Shaker High School, Latham, NY 

Kelly Ryan is in her 25th year of teaching; the past 21 years spent teaching various levels of Biology, as well as Forensic Science, at Shaker High School in Latham New York. Kelly earned her B.S. in Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1985 and her M.S. in Science Education at the State University of New York at Albany in 1988. 

Kelly is an active participant in the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). She is a member of the professional development committee for the Eastern Section of STANYS and acts as registrar for their two annual professional development events. Kelly is also the Biology Subject Area Representative for this organization and presents workshops at both the local and state levels in this capacity. She also works for the New York State Education Department in developing the state biology assessment exam. 

Kelly strives to make biology both exciting and relevant to the lives of her students and is an advocate of the case study method for teaching science. Learning brain science is more engaging using the story of Phinneas Gage and many concepts in genetics can be taught through the story of David Vetter, the "Boy in the Bubble." Keeping her lessons fresh is what helps her keep both her students and herself motivated to learn. 

Robert Penrose, United Jr/Sr High School, Armagh, PA

Robert Penrose is entering his 20th year as a science educator at United School District in Armagh, PA. During those twenty years, Robert has taught Biology 1, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Environmental Studies, 7th grade Life Science and 8th grade Physical Science. He is also the Boys Varsity Track Head Coach, Technical Director for the Drama Club and sponsor of Environmental Club. 

Robert holds memberships in NABT, NSTA and is a lifetime member of PSTA (Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association). He has also served as Convention Chairperson and President of PSTA in the past. Robert has been published in PSTA’s The Exchange and the proceedings from the University of Massachusetts STEMTEC Conference. He has been actively involved in conducting workshops and continuing education presentations in local, state and national settings. This is Robert’s first award in his teaching career.

Carol Stapanowich, Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School, Virginia Beach, VA

Moving from the inland deciduous forests of Central Pennsylvania to the wintery coast of Lake Ontario and finally to the warm waters of the Atlantic, Carol Stapanowich has made a career of teaching science. While Dr. S. (as her students know her) has degrees in Toxicology, she has enjoyed teaching Biology for the past 14 years at the high school level. Over her career, Carol's students have ranged in age from kindergarten age to adult. Her favorite topic is cell biology and the intricate pathways that lead to seemingly simple outcomes such as cell response to hormones and exocytosis. Currently, Carol teaches at Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School in Virginia Beach, where she is also the assistant coach of the championship ocean sciences competition team and the National Honor Society Moderator.

Peggy Deichstetter, St. Edward Catholic High School, Eglin, IL

Teaching science is Peggy's passion and she continues to take every opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Because of this, she is constantly looking for new challenges to improve her craft. To this end, Peggy took on the challenge of National Board Certification (NBCT). This was especially stressful since her school was unable to offer support. Through the arduous journey to NBCT, Peggy networked with other teachers; becoming acquainted with new challenges, workshops and programs that enhanced her teaching. Every opportunity for professional development helped Peggy become a better teacher by keeping her biology classes cutting edge.

Peggy is a self-professed "Workshop Junkie." To keep her biology classes fresh and exciting, she attends at least one workshop each summer and a national convention during the school year. After attending a workshop or convention, Peggy gets excited about teaching all over again. 

David Butler, Southern Wells Junior-Senior High School, Poneto, IN

David currently teaches (or has taught) General Biology, Advanced Biology (Dual Credit), Botany, Zoology, and Anatomy and Physiology, Bio-ethics, Bio-research and Earth/Space Science at Southern Wells High School near Bluffton, Indiana. He has also taught at other Indiana schools including Mt. Vernon HS, Hamilton Southeastern HS, and Cardinal Ritter HS, where David taught the courses listed above in addition to general science and physical science. He received his B.S. from Ball State University in Education with Biology as his primary and Earth/Space as his secondary areas. Later, he received his M.S.E. from the University of Southern Indiana and a Computer Endorsement from IUPUI of Indianapolis.

In conjunction with his teaching career, David has coached swim teams, sponsored academic groups, supervised biology clubs, been a webmaster, published articles, acquired grants, presented at numerous science conferences both at the state and national level and maintains his classroom website, www.rm118.com. David also has the honor of being a mentor for new teachers with whom he shares his experiences and helps them with their concerns in the classroom. 

During the past 24 years, David feels his philosophy of teaching biology education has evolved. "Even though my level of expectations is high, I do not believe in failing my students; otherwise, I feel as if I have literally failed as an educator. This means to me that preparation, responsibility, differentiation, sacrifice, and dedication are essential if I am going to continue to be a successful educator. To me, biology is not just the study of life; biology is a way of life." 

Heather Peterson, Holt Senior High School, Holt, MI

Come join a classroom of engaged students learning through scientific inquiry and having fun! Heather Peterson always wanted to be a biology teacher and has been blessed to teach at Holt High School in Holt, Michigan for the past 21 years. She teaches Biology, Human Physiology and Botany with an amazing department and credits them for many of her successes. Heather received both her B.S. in Lyman Briggs School in 1992 and her M.S. in 1997 from Michigan State University. (GO GREEN!) Heather is also a proud top 20 graduate of Portland High School in 1988.

Heather has also taught Anatomy and Physiology at Lansing Community College from 1998-2001, and teacher education lab sections at Michigan State University 2004-2006. Heather takes pride in mentoring other new teachers from MSU and has had over 50 pre-service teachers, including 13 interns teachers, in her classroom over the years. Heather is the department chair and a leader on the staff steering committee in addition to being the head coach for their top notched Science Olympiad team for the past 21 years. Heather is a proud member of NABT, MABT, NSTA, MSTA, and the NEA. Heather presents at the state MSTA conference every year to share her ideas and she encourages all teachers to present and support other teachers. 

She enjoys playing volleyball, sprint triathlons, traveling and camping with her family and friends. Heather lives in Dimondale with her loving and amazing husband, David, and their three awesome children, David-Michael (11), Aidan (9) and Taylor (6). Heather would like to thank them for their continued love and support.

Kelley Derrick, Wausau West High School, Wausau, WI

Kelley has been teaching at Wausau West High School for 21 years. She teaches Biology, AP Biology, and Science Seminar. In 2001, she received the Excellent Educator Award from WACTY and in 2003 she received the Herb Kohl Fellowship Award. Kelley has been a reader for the National AP Biology Exam from 2006-present. She has also coached four sports at Wausau West, including volleyball, basketball, softball, and curling.

Kelley received her undergraduate degree from UW-Stevens Point in 1990 and earned her Master's degree from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, WI in 1998. her hobbies include international travel, reading, curling, and being the Wausau West Warrior Mascot during Homecoming assemblies.

Laura McCreery, Davenport North High School, Davenport, IA

Having graduated from Mount Mercy University (2003) with a double major in Biology and Secondary Education and minoring in Chemistry, Laura returned to teach at her alma mater, North High School in Davenport, Iowa. Throughout the ten years of her teaching career, Laura has earned her Masters in Biology from Western Illinois University (2010), coached cheerleading for 7 years, sponsored the JOOI club, and the science bowl. She has served on a wide variety of committees including department chair, rigorous curriculum design, curriculum counsel, data team advisor, AP task force and several others. 

Laura's teaching assignments range from 9th grade Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, Vertebrate Zoology, Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics, Advanced Placement Biology, and Forensic Science. Laura has two publications, earned an Earthwatch Educator Fellow research trip, and has earned Iowa's Excellence in Teaching Life Science award in 2010. Currently, Laura is pursuing her Master’s in Science Curriculum and Instruction through Concordia University.

James Foresman, Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, KS 

Jim currently teaches Biology, Molecular Genetics, Health Science I, II and III. Jim earned both his B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Pittsburg State University and has taught at Pittsburg High School for his entire 27 years as a professional educator. He has been involved with the Wolbachia project (Sponsored by MBL and HHMI) for 5 years. He and three of his students were selected for participation in MBL’s Envisionship Summer program in 2010 for research into the incidence rates of Wolbachia in the flea species, Ctenocephalides felis. Jim has served on steering committees for both the Kansas Academy of Math and Science and for the development of the Greenbush Science / Biotechnology initiative. In 1998 he was involved with the KSU/ARIOS Russian exchange program, helping to co-write curriculum for the program. 

Jim has been the recipient of the Anna Fintel Excellence in Education Award (2003), Pittsburg State University’s Outstanding Cooperating Teacher award (2000) and the Outstanding Young Educator Award (1988).

Paul Sok, Winside Public School, Winside, NE

Paul Sok has been teaching for 36 years and has been at Winside Public School in Winside, Nebraska for the past 32 years. He teaches classes in Life Science, Biology, Advanced Biology, and Elementary Discovery Science. He is the varsity wrestling coach at Winside and is a member of the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He was honored as the National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2006. For the past 14 years his biology classes have presented at the annual Aquafest Days at Wayne State College and for the past 16 years he has engaged his advanced biology class in a weeklong scientific field trip to the Blackhills.

He received his Associate of Arts degree from McCook Community College and his B.A. in Education from Wayne State College, both of which are in Nebraska. In 2005, he was the recipient of a Fulbright Memorial Teacher Award to Japan and in 2009 he was awarded a Toyota International Teacher Award for study in Costa Rica. His wife Kimberly is an avid cook and they have three adult children and a grandson (7).

Brian Eddinger, East Davidson High School, Thomasville, NC

Brian is starting his 13th year of teaching at East Davidson High School in Thomasville, NC. He is a graduate of East Davidson and came back to teach Biology, Anatomy & Physiology and Astronomy (a course he designed). Brian is also a graduate of N.C. State University with a major in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary Medicine and is currently attending Gardner-Webb University to get his Masters in Executive Leadership. Brian is a member of several professional organizations such as NCAE, NCSTA and NABT, and was named his school’s Teacher of the Year in 2006.

Brian's goal is to not only teach the curriculum to students, but also to lead by showing them how God’s love has affected him personally and how he can share that love with everyone. "I hope that the students will see Christ’s example in me. I thank God that He has given me the opportunity to teach and lead through His power."

Teresa Triplett Gregory, Clay Chalkville High School, Pinson, AL

Teresa Triplett Gregory is a 1990 graduate of North Georgia College, Dahlonega, GA, where she earned a B.S. in Biology. Working as an Assistant Biologist at Southern Research Institute in Birmingham AL. from ’93 to ’95 in Pre-clinical Toxicology, she compiled and co-authored study reports for FDA, NIH, and private companies. She began teaching at Waianae High School in Hawaii and completed Education Certification courses at Mississippi State University while working at Lamar High School in Meridian Mississippi. She moved to Alabama in 2002 and taught Biology for four years at Tarrant High School, Tarrant, AL. She then joined Clay Chalkville High School, in the Jefferson County School system in 2006, where she currently teaches AP Biology and Honors Anatomy. She was selected as the 2011 Second Mile teacher by faculty members, and in 2010, the Alabama State Board of Education selected Teresa to author the High School Biology section of the Advanced Science Curriculum Guide. Teresa has presented at the 2010 Alabama Science Teacher Association (ASTA) Annual State Conference. 

Kathy Bonsall, Sulphur High School, Sulphur, LA

Kathy Gaskin Bonsall has been a teacher at Sulphur High School for 22 years, where she currently teaches AP Biology and Dual Enrollment Human Anatomy and Physiology for college and high school credit. Kathy is the 2005 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching for the state of Louisiana, 2003 Calcasieu Parish High School Teacher of the Year, and now is the Louisiana recipient of the OBTA from NABT. Kathy will tell you, “It’s not about me, it’s about the students. I am so blessed to teach highly motivated students and it has been a real honor to know these wonderful young adults. What a pleasure it is to see them enjoy the results of their own hard work as they move on to careers as research biologists, medical doctors, nurses, rad techs, physical therapists, science teachers, the list goes on and on.” 

Amanda Smith Jones, Poyen High School, Poyen, AR

Amanda has been teaching for 13 years, with 10 of those years of service at Poyen High School. She has a B.S. in Biology from Henderson State University, a M.S.E from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and earned her National Board Certification in Adult/Young Adult Sciences in 2005. She currently teaches Chemistry, Physics, Biology, AP Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology courses at Poyen High School and serves as adjunct faculty for College of the Ouachitas teaching College Environmental Science and College Introduction to Biology for concurrent enrollment students. 

Amanda also serves as the coordinator for the district’s Aspirnaut afterschool science program for 3-5 grade students, which is a joint venture in education between the school district and Vanderbilt University. Currently, Amanda serves as co-sponsor of the Poyen Sr. Beta Club and also serves as Arkansas’ Sr. Beta Club State Sponsor-Elect for the National Beta Club Organization. She also works diligently with STEM education initiatives to ensure the district’s students are provided with in-class and extra-curricular STEM activities like BEST Robotics, Engineering Competitions, and Destination Science Competitions. 

Amanda is regarded as a tough teacher by her students because she holds them to high expectations in and out of the classroom. She works hard and puts her heart into her teaching; therefore, she teaches a good work ethic by example and students see that effort. They know she cares if they learn or not and that makes all the difference. 

Amanda lives in Malvern, Arkansas. She is married to her husband of 13 years, Casey Jones, and they have two beautiful daughters, Ella Scarlett and Avrie Anna Jones, who are the absolute joy of every second of life for Amanda. She teaches her girls the same strong work ethic and dedication to education as she does her students. She always works and learns new material and ideas to make herself a better teacher in hopes of becoming a great teacher for her students and great mom for her little girls.

Kate McElroy-Mattern, Anaconda High School, Anaconda, MT

Kate Mattern received her B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Montana Western in 2001, and an I.M.S. in Microbiology from Montana Tech of the University of Montana in 2011. Kate has taught a combination of life science courses for the past 13 years, the last 7 at Anaconda High School. Kate has implemented many community partnerships, including working with CFWEP, phage hunting, local DNRC and Forest Service, medical facilities, Fish Hatcheries, Audubon, and the MT Watercourse. Students in her classes participate in Envirothon, HOSA, MedCamp, Environmental Club, National Leadership Forums, and continuing local microbial research and restoration projects. Kate has been invited to teach at the Montana Learning Center, was awarded the M.J. Murdock Partners in Science grant, and has secured grants from local business, community foundations, and most recently, the Montana Striving Readers Grant to improve the quality of instruction at AHS. 

Christine Celestino, Juan Diego Catholic High School, Sandy, UT

Dr. Christine Fogarty Celestino currently lives and works in Utah. Before making Utah her home, she grew up in upstate New York, where she attended SUNY Geneseo and earned her B.S. in Biophysics. While studying at Geneseo, Christine researched electrical signaling in weakly electric fish, prompting her to pursue a graduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Utah, studying insect sensory systems. At the U of U, Christine began her involvement in education by participating in their Brain Awareness Weekoutreach program each year, as well as by volunteering to judge high school science competitions on the U’s campus. By the time she graduated with her PhD, Christine was ready to take the plunge and leave research to make a career as a high school biology educator, joining the faculty at Juan Diego Catholic High School in 2006. Since that time Christine has worked to enrich science education at the school through the establishment of a summer research program in partnership with the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, participation in local science competitions, addition of science electives and AP coursework, and starting the JDCHS Academy of Sciences for students who excel in STEM subjects. 

Outside of her own school, Christine worked to promote inquiry in science courses, particularly biology, through summer work with the Genetic Science Learning Center, and through initiatives at JDCHS to improve the technological resources throughout the school system. In her own classroom, Christine’s focus on the applications of biology to the real world and on relating biological subjects to her students’ everyday lives earned her the school’s Teacher of the Year award in 2011. She continues to strive to expose her students to the workings of science and to involve them in investigations of the world around them.

Katherine Dean, Estacada High School, Estacada, OR

Kate Dean teaches Biology, AP Biology and various Agriscience electives including Animal Science and Horticulture at Estacada High School in Estacada, OR. She has previously taught in schools in California, bringing her total years in the biology classroom to 14 years. She earned both her B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science from the University of California, Davis. 

During her tenure at Estacada High School, Kate has worked to revive the Agriscience program and to create an AP Biology program in order to better serve the needs of her unique student population. She strongly believes that the practical application of biology through the management of plants, animals and natural resources not only attracts more students to the study of life science, but also provides a unique combination of both science and career technical education. She has played an integral role in the recent construction of a campus greenhouse and is looking forward to using the new facility to improve the education experiences of her students. Many of her classes offer dual college credit while many of the graduates from her programs go on to pursue careers in the life sciences. 

In addition to classroom instruction, Kate enjoys hosting teaching interns from local education programs and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Rebecca McEvoy-Halston, Henry Wise Wood Senior High School, Calgary, AB

Rebecca is truly honored to be chosen as the Canadian OBTA winner. Teaching is her passion and her calling. Her vision is to motivate and empower students to achieve their potential. Rebecca creates a fun, rigorous, student centered learning environment where students are active learners who feel safe to make mistakes. Brain based learning is the foundation of her practice - movement, laughter, and sharing “grows” the brain. She is a life longer learner, and actively seeks out professional development opportunities to evolve her teaching practice. 

Rebecca, known as Ms. Mac to her students, cherishes the “ah-ha” moments when students understand a difficult concept. “She has the most incredible teaching style and I enjoyed and learned more biology than I ever have” states one former student. 

Rebecca is also the 1999 recipient of the Alberta Innovative Teaching Award. She has authored Science-in-a-Crate, which contains hands on activities used in classrooms across Alberta. She is the co-author of the Care for the Land field study guide designed to increase students’ appreciation of Alberta’s natural areas. Rebecca also volunteers with Two Wheel View, traveling on bikes through Europe with troubled teens. Rebecca contributes to her profession through the mentorship of student teachers and develops provincial wide high school exams. Lifelong learning and inspiring a love of learning are key to the success of this exceptional educator.