Alexandria, VA - John Russell, a teacher at Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science, and Engineering in New York, NY, has been named the 2015 recipient of the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Russell, who earned his master's degree in adolescent education from Pace University, has spent his career challenging students in eighth through twelfth grade by integrating research into authentic experiences for students in Earth sciences.
"Mr. Russell's uses of current research and in-person and historical interviews with scientists allow his students to understand Earth processes and the mechanics of scientific discovery," said AGI Executive Director Dr. P. Patrick Leahy, "This type of instruction not only builds student understanding and personalizes the learning experience, but also fosters workplace skills and builds a lifelong love of Earth Science."
Russell will be presented with the award in March at the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Friends of Earth Science Reception during the National Science Teachers Association 2015 National Conference in Chicago. Finalists for the award were James Christopher Spiegl of Montgomery Bell Academy in Pegram, TN, and Mary Jean Tykoski of Cooper Junior High School in Wylie, TX.
Given annually, AGI's Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education. To learn more, please see http://www.americangeosciences.org/education/awards/roy.
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The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of 50 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.