KLEIN's
GUIDE TO
SCIENCE EDUCATION
PHOTO CREDIT: Nadene Klein at Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park
No one becomes a teacher with the aspirations of winning awards. We don't have visions of walking the red carpet in gowns or tuxedos. That being said, when a professional award is bestowed on an educator it is an honor to receive the acknowledgement of our peers, experts, and/or supporters.
This past week I was notified in front of my whole school that I was the recipient of an excellence in science teaching award for my state. All of the students cheered and hugged and high-fived me. I was humbled and overwhelmed. Without a doubt the prize is meaningful and I am proud of it. But I see other accolades as more important. What could be more significant? The students themselves. When I hear comments from students, past and present, that compliment my teaching, that is more rewarding that state honors. The casual "I like your class." or "You're a good teacher." are nice to hear. I stay in touch with former students via FaceBook. I've heard from them about the impact of having been in my class when they were in middle school. Recently I've heard stronger compliments like these from my at-risk high school students: "I actually learned something in your class." "I like that you have high expectations of us." "I miss being in your class, how can I get back in." "I didn't need any more science credits to graduate so I asked to have physics as an elective." These are the accolades that mean the most and inspire a teacher to continue to pursue higher levels in their classrooms. Scientifically yours, Nadene
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AuthorNadene Klein, M.Ed. has been an educator for over 25 years. She brings a passion and love for science to the classroom and through this blog to you. Archives
March 2024
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