Penny Shumaker Jeffrey
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.
