| Duane Merrell, Lee Moss, Nancy Martinez, Shauna Carroll. |
Three Emery District Teachers were honored by the Utah State Science Teachers Association at their annual convention recently held at CEU.
Nancy Martinez a long time Emery High School biology teacher was rewarded for years of innovative teaching with the award as Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year. She was recognized for her innovative use of technology, hands on instruction, creative labs and assignments. She has received several grants over that last few years to provide the science wing with current technology seen in very few Utah high schools. Martinez was recognized as having studied in the Galapagos Island, the Bronx Zoo and the Amazon River bringing the experience and the wonder of the world back to her class room. Glencoe Publishing Company also tapped Martinez for their annual cash award as the top biology instructor. Nancy reflected, “I love teaching and this is a real honor. There are so many great biology teachers in Utah and this means a great deal to me.”
Joining Martinez was Lee Moss who was the recipient for the USTA award of Chemistry. Moss was recognized for his ability to inspire students to do their best in science and to continue their education beyond the required courses. Moss has been teaching Chemistry at Emery High the last four years. “I like to provide an opportunity for students with an aptitude for chemistry to some of the programs and careers available.” He and his students have participated in programs at BYU, the University of Utah and Weber State. Currently he is organizing a team that will compete in the Science Olympiad at Weber State University in March.
Shauna Carroll a third grade elementary teacher at Ferron Elementary received the “Friends of Science” award from the USTA for her work at the CEU’s Prehistoric Museum. While working at the museum Carroll was the Director of Education who authored an outreach program that brought in over 3,000 students into the museum and its programs. She was the director of the summer programs that included Dino day and an archeology camp. She has been able to bring her vast knowledge of the area and its unique offerings to the community and her classroom. Carroll is known by her coworker and students as someone who motivated and excites both gifted and struggling students.
This was the first time that CEU has been given the opportunity to host the annual Utah Science Teachers Accociation Conference. Former Emery High physics teacher Duane Merrell commented, “This is really special for this area to be able to host the state convention. I think it is a way to recognize the fine teaching that is going on in this area.” Merrell was also honored by his colleges as the top College Science Educator. Merrell is currently a professor at BYU and was honored for his record of turning out more physics teachers than any other major university in the country. When asked about his experience while in the Emery School district he said “It was an honor to teach with such an incredible group of science teachers, the Emery School District should be proud.”