Dr. Mary Ellen Verona Computational Science Teacher Leader Award
Description
This award recognizes those individuals who demonstrate computational science leadership through their use of computer-based models, simulations, and visualizations to enhance student learning in K-12 classroom or after-school settings and their active participation in sharing their strategies and methods with others. Two categories of awards will be given. Classroom teachers who use computational science as a part of their classroom instruction and who share their methods with others should use the Teacher Application Form. Individuals who lead after-school or weekend programs that introduce K-12 students to computational science and who support the use of computational science by others should use the Outreach Application Form. All applicants must complete the application process described below.
Award Background
Dr. Mary Ellen Verona, a visionary in the use of computational science for secondary science education, spent the last eight years of her life providing opportunities for high school science teachers who shared her commitment to the highest quality education for students. Mary Ellen believed that teachers were the key to providing students with access to the computational science tools and methods that scientists use on a regular basis. She understood that by providing classroom teachers with the background and support needed to create and use computer-based models, simulations, and visualizations, thousands of students would be able to experience the same technology-rich approaches used to solve complex problems in research labs around the world. This award, created in her honor, is meant to recognize those individuals who not only use computational science tools with K-12 students in classroom or after-school settings, but who also provide support and training to others who seek to use computational tools with K-12 students.
Categories
A Mary Ellen Verona award will be given in each of the following categories:
- Outstanding K-12 classroom teacher submission
- Outstanding K-12 outreach program submission
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be judged by a committee of individuals involved in the application of computational science tools and methods in K-12 education. Criteria will include:
- The educational impact of computational science tools and methods on K-12 students
- Leadership in helping others use computational tools and methods with K-12 students
- Quality of submitted materials
Award
The Mary Ellen Verona Computational Science Teacher Leader Award will consist of the following:
- A cash prize
- Travel expenses to the SC07 Conference in Reno, Nevada in November, 2007
- An award certificate
Application Guidelines
Electronic versions of application materials may be submitted starting January 1. Complete submissions are due June 15, and may be submitted via the electronic submission system. Since letters of support are required, it is recommended that the application process be started by mid-May.
Upon receipt, applications become the property of the SC07 Education Committee. Applications will not be returned to applicants. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Award winners will be notified by September 15, 2007. The SC07 Education Committee reserves the right to award as many or as few awards as warranted by the quality of the applications.
Applications must include the following information:
- A completed and signed application form for (select one)
- A description of specific computer model(s), simulation(s) or visualization(s) you have implemented with K-12 students and their impact on student learning. Include the source of the computer model and associated activities and explain how you adapted the materials to fit your learning goals for the students. Provide a written summary of the impact this activity made on the students. Do not use names of students nor provide actual data on student assessments. Examples of student work may be included as long as all references to student identity are omitted.
- A description of the ways in which you have promoted and supported the use of computational science by other individuals working with K-12 students. Leading teacher workshops, mentoring individual teachers, writing articles for journals, and making presentations at conferences are all ways of promoting computational science. Include in your description a sample workshop agenda, a summary of mentoring activities, a reference to a journal article, or a conference schedule.
- One letter of nomination and three letters of support from individuals and groups who are familiar with the applicant’s work. You may self-nominate. Letters from parents and students are encouraged. Letters should address the impact the applicant has had on his/her students and/or on other teachers with respect to the use of computational science tools, methods and strategies. Use letterhead paper when possible. Be sure that letters are signed and dated.
- A two-page, double-spaced vita that includes teaching experience, professional activities, formal and continuing education, awards and published material.
Since items 1 and 4 require signatures, they must be sent by postal mail. The other items may be mailed in the same packet or may be uploaded via the electronic submission system. Whether electronic or hard-copy, all written components of the entry should be typed and double-spaced, on standard 8-1/2” x 11” white paper, with 1” margins, and 12-point or larger font size. All parts of the entry must include the applicant’s full name.
Please send the postal mail application items to the following address:
Verona Teacher Award
c/o Susan Ragan
Montgomery Blair High School
51 University Blvd. East
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Questions should be directed to verona_award@sc-education.org.
Award Description Teacher Application Outreach Application
Electronic submission is available here.
