Arlington, VA—March 9, 2009—The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching, has announced the recipients of its 2009 Teacher Awards Program, which honors K–12 teachers, professors, principals, and others for their outstanding achievement and innovative programs in science education. The awards will be presented at a special banquet and ceremony at NSTA’s 57th National Conference on Science Education in New Orleans, taking place March 19–22.
NSTA will present its Distinguished Informal Science Education Award to Dr. Jean Dubach, a conservation biologist, molecular geneticist and head of the Chicago Zoological Society’s Molecular Genetics Program in Brookfield, Ill., until its recent closure.
For more than two decades Dubach has been a dedicated and passionate member of the science education community. In addition to spending countless hours on important species conservation research, Dubach is the co-director of an interactive program that introduces high school students to conservation research through various forms of media. Using the data from her own genetics research, Dubach co-developed and co-authored an innovative collection of laboratory activities entitled, Zoo Genetics: Key Aspects of Conservation Biology, which combines modern genetics, in situ field research and wildlife conservation.
An active NSTA member, Dubach is also affiliated with several other reputable organizations, including the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society of North America and the National Association Biology Teachers.
“NSTA awardees represent the best and brightest in science education,” said Page Keeley, president, NSTA. “On behalf of NSTA, I offer my congratulations to Dr. Dubach for her commitment to science education and her creative approach to teaching our students science.”
This award honors one individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of science education in an informal or nontraditional school setting, such as a science-technology center, zoo, or community center. The awardee receives a formal citation, three nights’ hotel accommodation and up to $500 towards expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education.
About NSTA
The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), www.nsta.org, is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes more than 58,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.
Contact Information
Kate Meyer
National Science Teachers Association
kmeyer@nsta.org
(703) 312-9211