Meet the Candidates 2017
President-Elect
Nominee - Michael Tally
Mike has dedicated his professional career to the promotion of effective science instruction. His work history includes both classroom teaching and administration with experiences at the kindergarten elementary, middle, secondary and collegiate levels. He has spearheaded a wide variety of learning opportunities for numerous North Carolina science teachers and their students, and is particularly recognized for his efforts that encourage science instruction in authentic settings which may be outside the traditional classroom. He holds a deep appreciation of the natural wonders of the world and frequently travels to some of its most unique natural settings. These trips are not just for his personal pleasure, but also provide a venue for him to generate instructional resources and learning opportunities which focus on environmental science for others. Mike has sustained his membership in NCSTA for many years and served on its Board as the chair of several standing committees. He currently holds the position of District 3 Director. In addition to North Carolina Science Teacher Association, he is currently a member of the following professional organizations; NSTA, NCEE , and the International Focus Group. He is retired as the Ecotours Director and Secondary Science Coordinator for Wake County Schools. Mike lives in Cary, North Carolina.
Position Statement:
As a lifelong member of NCSTA I have worked with this organization in many roles. Currently I am District 3 Director and in the recent past have served as the Awards Committee chairperson and the Nominations/ Election Committee chair. My career has allowed me to work at every level of education K-college Not only have these experiences been personally enjoyable, but they have given me the opportunity to recognize and understand the status of science education in North Carolina, as well as, the needs of our science teachers and their students. Our state faces many current issues, such as climate change, fresh water demands, sea level rise, fracking and coal ash ponds. To help solve these problems we will need members of society to be scientifically literate. Our job as science educators is to help students attain a level of scientific literacy that equips them with appropriate skills and accurate knowledge so they can contribute to a serious discussion on these larger issues. We know and accept that not all students will pursue science careers, but when students graduate from high school, they should understand that science is a dynamic process. Students should also realize that the choices regarding scientific issues which they make now and in the future will impact policies regarding energy consumption, natural resources, the environment, and the overall health of generations to come. As president elect of NCSTA my goal is to help science teachers throughout North Carolina prepare students to face the science-related concerns that they will encounter. With your help let's create scientifically literate members of society. Let's work together for all students!
Treasurer
Nominee - Justin Tillett (Current Treasurer)
As an active member of NCSTA, Justin dedicates his time and efforts to advance all fields of science from kindergarten through the college levels. He recognizes that for students to be successful their science teachers need to engage in activities that provide opportunities to share ideas, collaborate, and focus on effective classroom practice. To facilitate these professional interactions he has promoted teacher participation in NCSTA sponsored events both within his district and statewide. In recent years he has assisted in the planning and implementation of several PDIs. Justin currently holds the office of NCSTA treasurer and chairs the Finance Committee. He is a faculty member at Jordan Matthews High School where he teaches several science subjects. He lives in Hillsborough, North Carolina where he is a member of his community’s Fire and Rescue Squad.
Position Statement:
This is my 13th year teaching high school science, mostly Chemistry and Forensics at Jordan-Matthews High School in Chatham County. I've taught Physical Science, Physics and Earth Science in previous years. I feel that NCSTA provides a strong support group for me and other science educations throughout the state.
While I cannot take full credit for this, I am proud to say that after my first year as NCSTA Treasurer we ended the year with a surplus for the first time in a while. This was a team effort though! I believe in being a good steward of the money we get through membership fees and the registration fees for our PDI from the great teachers across the state. Through thoughtful financial management I hope to bring NCSTA back to the day where we never had to touch our savings account. With watchful budgeting, as well as, proper marketing and advertisement we will make NCSTA grow and prosper now and into the future. By doing this we can continue to offer an outstanding PDI, allowing us to build upon and support Science Education in North Carolina for years to come. I have been honored to serve as your Treasurer for the last 2 years and seek your support in my bid for reelection as your treasurer. I look forward to serving for the next 2 years.
District 1 Director
Nominee - Brad Woodard (Current District 1 Director)
Brad is a proud native of eastern North Carolina and is committed to STEM-based education. He completed his teacher preparatory work at East Carolina University, and has been a member of the Farmville Central High School faculty since 2000. He has taught Physics, Earth Science, Progressive Algebra, Environmental Science, and Physical Science. His instructional duties have ranged from that of the “roaming teacher with science on a cart” to AP classes, to being the contact teacher for seniors enrolled in the Honors Medical Program at the Body School of Medicine. He currently holds the position of Science Department Chair for his school and has served on the Farmville Central’s Faculty Senate and the school’s Improvement Team and Scholarship Committee. Additionally, Brad worked as a mentor teacher for in the Western Governor’s Online Program. Very active in NCSTA Brad has held two Board positions: the History and Records Committee Chair and District 1 Director.
Position Statement:
My personal work experiences have offered a clear understanding of the types of assistance needed by both novice and veteran classroom teachers. Science educators seek help with course content, pacing, on-line instruction, securing resources, and professional development. Similarly, I relish my role as science teacher where I help students understand key concepts, guiding them through technology, and promoting hands-on problem solving. My involvement over the last several years with NCSTA, both on the Board and as a member, has shown me that our knowledge of vital elements of sound classroom practice such as learner intelligences, instructional styles, and science content continues to expand. I also realize that today’s teachers are often very limited in their time and ability to engage in research, pursuit of advanced coursework, receipt of financial support for class projects, peer collaboration and other activities critical to effective teaching. I view the opportunities provided through NCSTA as a way to meet the clinical and professional development needs of North Carolina’s science educators. I particularly would like to help the science teachers who work in District 1 in any way I can. As the District 1 Director I would be in the position to help these teachers become informed of current best practices. I intend to serve as a liaison between NCSTA and the classroom teacher by sharing and promoting information regarding teaching techniques, grants and professional growth so that District I teachers are the science education leaders in North Carolina. I am seeking reelection and would appreciate your consideration for the Director District position.
District 3 Director
Nominee - Evelyn Baldwin
Evelyn is actively engaged in a variety of NCSTA initiatives and has been well received as a presenter at recent Professional Development Institutes. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina and currently is a staff member at the STEM High School, North Carolina State University. In her current position she not only teaches secondary sciences but maintains strong interactions among other educators directing them toward resources, funding options, and peer collaborations.
Position Statement:
Many of the classroom teachers face a myriad of problems and concerns which must be resolved for them to maximize the learning experiences for their students. All too often these educators feel they are alone in this struggle. The North Carolina Science Teacher Association provides a long standing support system designed to provide venues for science teachers to collaborate, grow professionally, and enhance their classroom practice. As the NCSTA District Director I aim to keep the members in District 3 informed of upcoming NCSTA endorsed events (both for students and teachers), opportunities for professional development, and grant opportunities. I will work to increase membership in our district. I hope to expand connections in the North Carolina science community at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Nominee - Penny Shumaker Jeffrey
Penny is a faculty member in the Department of STEM Education, College of Education at North Carolina State University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science education. In addition to her instructional duties she advises several student professional organizations and serves as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for Science Education. Penny is actively involved with NCSTA and encourages pre-service and novice teachers to participate in its offerings. Penny lives in Chatham County.
Position Statement:
Holding the position of District 3 Director would enable me to honor and empower both formal and informal science teachers by upholding the organization's mission of promoting continued excellence of teaching and learning of sciences in North Carolina. I genuinely enjoy teaching pre-service middle grades and secondary science teachers and graduate students as an Assistant Professor in the Department of STEM Education at North Carolina State University. I also collaborate with experienced educators who mentor our emerging teachers. By interacting with working professionals, future, and in-service teachers, I ensure the most effective pedagogy is embedded in our NC education system. Additionally, I serve as the faculty advisor for NC State student chapter of NSTA, as well as, a board member on a private 501c3, a national public service organization. These leadership roles enable me to collaborate with others in important decision-making capacities. I believe and hold true to myself that it is imperative to have a balanced approach when engaged with decision making and collaborating with diversified groups of people. As District 3 Director I would be in the position to serve as a conduit for the many professionals with whom I encounter to not only guide them to the help and opportunities the NCSTA provides, but to expand the organization’s collaborative efforts to enhance science education. Working as the NCSTA District 3 Director I would be honored to uphold the mission of NCSTA.
District 5 Director
Nominee - Valerie Sellars (Current District 5 Director)
Valerie is an active member of NCSTA and is seeking reelection to the Board as the District 5 Director. She is currently the Science Coordinator for Guilford County Schools – Central Region through which she provides engaging professional development and coaching for k-12 science teachers. She lives in Burlington, NC.
Position Statement:
I am passionate about teaching and learning and feel that my academic and professional background equips me to assist the science educators in district five and their students grow academically and professionally. My professional degrees have equipped me with the knowledge to help teachers solve content and instructional problems. I graduated from Elon University with a B.S. in Biology, completed my teaching certification at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and graduated from Averett University with a M.Ed. in Biology. Additionally, I can help teachers identify effective lessons and classroom materials in that I bring 20 years of classroom experience. I have taught various life science courses in middle and high school and serve as an adjunct Biology instructor.
Nominee - Robin Bulleri
Robin lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She and is very involved in NCSTA, engaging in district activities, as well as, sharing her ideas and strategies as a presenter at recent Professional Development Institutes. Valerie currently works as a science teacher in Chapel Hill.
Position Statement:
As a longtime member of NCSTA I feel I can promote sound instruction and help my fellow science teachers. As District 5 Director, I would seek to increase visibility and membership in my area. I will open lines of communication among the members to share best practices and experiences. Finally, I will be an ambassador for the many grants, awards, and opportunities that NCSTA provides, so that North Carolina science teachers can be recognized for their excellent work.
District 7 Director
Nominee - Sharon Green
Sharon, a Kenan Fellow and National Board Certified Teacher, entered the teaching profession through lateral entry coming from a background in pharmaceutical research. After teaching for four years in South Carolina, she has continued her fifteen year educational career as a high school science teacher in North Carolina. She also taught part time in the Biology Department at the University of South Carolina—Upstate. A resident of Lenoir, North Carolina, Sharon’s current position is in the Biology Department at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Sharon holds a BS degree in biology from Western Carolina University and a Masters in Biochemistry from University of Tennessee—Knoxville. As an active member in NCSTA, Sharon has served as a presenter at the Professional Development Institutes since 2010. She received an NCSTA Study Grant and an Innovative Curriculum Grant. In recognition of her classroom practice, Sharon has been the recipient of the NCSTA District 7 Science Teacher of the Year award. Among her many accomplishments, she was also a co-recipient of a "Bright Ideas" grant to develop a vertical, school wide Biofuel project.
Position Statement:
It is my belief that as science teachers, our job is to inspire our students to enter STEM fields. This means that while in our science classes our students are influenced by the science they see, hear, touch and possibly smell (hopefully not taste). This is a huge responsibility because if students have a bad experience in science class, they often "turn off" to science at that time. Creating science courses full of inquiry, relevant, hands-on, real-world, problem based, and project based strategies will engage students in a positive way as a worksheet and cookbook lab will never do. We need to bring science careers to the forefront of our classes. In addition, we need to teach our students about peripheral careers that are employed by STEM fields, but that do not necessarily require a "science" degree. As a result, they will know what real scientists do and what the real STEM industries are. Not all of our students will go into a STEM field, but it is our job to inspire and definitely not to dissuade them. Our students need options for their futures, and we are the very ones to help them develop and open their minds to achieve them. As a NCSTA district director, I hope to help the science teachers in district seven meet these instructional ideals.
Nominee - Jessica Schouweiler
Long time science educator, Jessica Schouweiler, describes herself as dedicated to providing venues for all of North Carolina students to have a strong scientifically-accurate knowledge base. In her current position as an assistant principal and STEM Coordinator, she incorporates research driven initiatives that facilitate school and community collaborations designed to promote effective STEM –based learning experiences for both college and non-college bound students within her district. Jessica resides in Conover, North Carolina.
Position Statement:
North Carolina had approximately 110,000 high school graduates in 2013, a bare minimum requirement for launching into a prospective college or career pathway. My recent survey of area high school graduates showed they felt ill prepared for the college or career journey they were about to embark upon. A study done by STEM Education Statistics echoes my findings reporting that in 2013, only 44%of U. S. high school graduates are prepared for college-level math and only 36% for college –level science. Both science and mathematics are general education requirements for college degrees. To deepen this concern, the U. S. is projected to be short as many as three million high-skilled workers by the year 2018 (“STEM Education Statistic”) What we have is a crisis on our hands; we are graduating students who are not prepared! My community has over 3,000 vacant jobs (all STEM related) most of which pay between$30-60,000 and yet companies often have to search in other counties to fill their vacancies. This is a consequence of a culturally dated mindset that cites that one must go to college to be successful, when in fact our data proves contradictory. The county sends 40% of students to college and of that 40% only 20% graduate. Secondly, teachers and students do not know about existing opportunities such as technology certification courses that can be completed while in high school. Thirdly, middle and high schools lack strong programs that help identify and recognize student talents and align those with future college and/or career pathways. Schools desperately need communities composed of business leaders, entrepreneurs, artisans, parents, student and teachers who possess a collected and shared commitment to equipping students with skills for unknown future jobs. Without a framework to cultivate innovation, instructional practices and advocacy for science education our future is and will be limited. My professional goal is to be a part of this bigger picture and to have significant impact on minimizing the crisis on hand. As a district director for NCSTA I can serve as the liaison among members of these much needed support communities and initiate networking, the sharing of information, ideas, and resources; as well as, provide guidance regarding professional growth for our area’s science educators.
Nominee: Lindsay Knippenberg
Lindsay’s classroom experiences include teaching science both elementary and secondary students. She is recognized for her efforts to facilitate learning for children possessing disabilities. To enhance her expertise in environmental and earth science, and to create relevant instructional materials designed to motivate her students, Lindsay extensively travels. These endeavors allow her opportunities to personally work in some the world’s most unique habitats and participate in various educational field research programs. Lindsay is a North Carolina Science Leadership Fellow and has received several professional awards, including the North Carolina’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher. Lindsay lives in Morrisville, North Carolina.
Position Statement:
I have been in the teaching profession for the past fifteen years and I am currently a Marine Science and Environmental Earth Science at Mooresville High School. Prior to Mooresville, I taught for seven years outside the city of Detroit, MI, Additionally, I was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow for two terms with the NOAA Office of Education in Washington, DC. My passions as a science teacher are to bring science to all learners, including students with disabilities and lower elementary students. I invite students of all abilities into my classroom and provide experiences where everyone has the opportunity to participate and be inspired by science. My other passion is to connect my students to scientists and real-time data inspiring them to be the next generation of scientists. I participated in the Ocean Exploration Trust Science Communications Fellowship, NOAA Teacher at Sea, and the NSF PolarTREC program. Through these experiences I traveled to Antarctica, the Bering Sea, Galapagos Islands, and the Caribbean Sea to bring real science into my classroom and encourage my students to be scientists too. I am currently a North Carolina Science Leadership Fellow. This year I received my school district's recognition of Teacher of the Year, the North Carolina Outstanding Earth Science Teacher, and the Southeast Outstanding Earth Science Teacher. As the District 7 Director, I would like to use my past experiences to bring new resources and opportunities to the teachers of North Carolina.
