Do you know a science educator that exemplifies excellence in teaching? It is never too early to nominate a teacher for an NCSTA. Visit the Awards Headquarters (www.ncsta.org/awards/) for more information and a nomination form.

Distinguished Service to Science Education Awards
Educators in different categories who exhibit excellence in their area of science education and have made significant contributions to science education beyond their local area.

Nancy Wynn Distinguished Service Award High School	Judith Jones	East Chapel Hill High School, Chapel Hill
	Lead a reform initiative called “School within a School” that created small learning communities within the larger high school environment. Is described by co-workers as a mentor, friend, and role model. She is someone with endless energy who is quick to assume additional responsibilities to help a new teacher settle in.
University	Dr. Steven Dyche	Director of the Science and Math Center at ASU
	Credited with forging a partnership between ASU and area public schools. For the past 18 years he has taught a large Biology lecture class for no payment. Is described by students and co-workers as a person who enjoys teaching science and enjoys helping others. Can be coaxed in to doing anything for a chocolate chip cookie!
University	Dr. Jack Hall	Chair of the Environmental Studies Department at UNCW
	Involved with Science Fair and Science Olympiad at all levels. Unending dedication to science and the field of environmental science. Writes a monthly column for the website Ecology.COM, “ Dr. Jack’s Natural World”, www.ecology.com that answers student, parent, teacher questions from all over the world.
Administrator/Supervisor	Karen Shafer	Director of the Science and Math Center at UNC Wilmington
	Is a grant writing expert – it is said that if you have a need, Karen can write a grant and receive the funding. Is involved tirelessly in the State Science Fair and Science Olympiad. Nurtured a partnership with public schools, private schools and the university to put graduate students in classrooms.
Non-School	Fran Nolan	Grassroots Museums Initiative
	“Spearheads an effort by almost all Science Education Centers, Museums, and Zoos across the state to coordinate efforts with K-12 schools to offer better and more enriched activities for students. Fran is known as a person who conducts his work with no personal rewards in mind. He is truly a collaborator in anything that he does in science education. Eager to try new ideas, he is always seeking a “win – win” situation for all parties involved.”
Commercial	Fred Beyer	Fisher Scientific
	“Fred’s commitment to science education in North Carolina is unmatched. His position with Fisher Scientific Company has allowed him to continue to bring resources to schools and teachers. Fred’s drive, determination, and insight make him a role model to his peers. His untiring efforts serve as an inspiration to everyone involved in science education. His philosophy and vision will continue to represent the very best of what we in science education have to offer present and future generations.”

The Vi Hunsucker Award- The Outstanding Science Educator in North Carolina Jake Brown “Jake Brown has spent his entire professional career serving science students of North Carolina. He has been an excellent science teacher and also Science Consultant Council of State Science Supervisors. If you have gone any place and time within the last thirty five years where important decisions were made, that affected science teachers across the state of North Carolina, you can bet Jake Brown was there and that he was actively involved in making sure that students and teachers come first. He is not and has never been a man who seeks recognition for his work, although his accomplishments could fill several chapters of a book!”

District Outstanding Science Teacher Awards
Teachers in each district of NCSTA who exhibit excellence in teaching science and leadership in their school in science education.

District #1	Tonya Little Williams	Perquimans County High School, Hertford
	National Board Certified teacher Involved with NCCAT’s Space Camp Program. Mentors future science majors. Quote by Elbert Hubbard describes her best: “the teacher is one who makes two ideas grow where only one grew before.” Is described by co-workers as doing her best to inspire the best in others.
District #2	Michael Kelly	E. A. Laney High School, Wilmington
	Chemistry Department Chair Involved with Summer Ventures at UNCW Has encouraged communication with the middle school that feeds in to his high school thus making the transition smoother for rising high school students. Is described by co-workers as someone who improves student attitudes and aptitudes in science.
District #5	Reagan West Courliss	Perry Harrison School, Pittsboro
	Teaches both science and social studies. A technology leader for her system. Went to Uganda to conduct staff development for Ugandan teachers and in October hosted Ugandan teachers here in the U.S. Is described by co-workers as a Master teacher who embraces new teachers by providing guidance, support, and inspiration.
District #6	Doug Burgess	Providence Day School, Charlotte
	Received The Brian Eichenbrenner Teaching Award that afforded him the opportunity to study/chase tornados in the mid-west. Built an 8-foot tornado chamber so that Lower, Middle, and Upper students could watch the formation of a tornado. Made himself available to all levels to discuss and explain tornado formation. Is described by co-workers as patient, affirming, supportive, and “one of those special teachers who address the needs of the whole child”.
District #8	Mark Ethridge	Tuscola High School, Waynesville
	Utilizes the Great Smokey Mountains as his laboratory, bringing students there to do research and conduct/monitor experiments. Works especially hard with students who have learning disabilities. Is described by co-workers as creative, innovative, diligent and caring.