AMERICAN FORK, Utah – YourScience®The leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills gap crisis for students and employers, is proud to announce the recipients of the estimated YouScience Award for Innovative Educator. This award celebrates educators who have implemented innovative approaches to empower the next generation of professionals through academic and career exploration.
After reviewing the nominations received from across the country, YouScience is pleased to congratulate the following educators as winners:
- Darren Zink, Paige Kanaly and Megan Holloway, a teaching team at Mountain View High School in Mesa, Arizona
- Jessica McAllister of the Lewis-Palmer School District in Monument, Colorado
- Zach Knapp of Vale High School in Vale, Oregon
Shaping Future Paths at Mountain View High School
Members of Mountain View High School's Freshman Academic Success Team (FAST) (Darren Zink, Paige Kanaly and Megan Holloway) have been recognized for their collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to education. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Darren Zink, along with Megan Holloway (3 years) and Paige Kanaly (5 years), share a group of 90 students and help them connect what they learn in the classroom to the real world. By integrating YouScience into their curriculum, they have helped students explore their aptitudes and imagine future career paths. Her teaching philosophy revolves around fostering communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, while elevating student choice and voice in the classroom.
Highlights of achievements:
- Integration of skills-based education and YouScience data to create personalized, relevant curriculum and classroom instruction for your students.
- Use interdisciplinary teaching systems to make core concepts, including English, biology, and mathematics, relevant to real-world applications and future career paths.
- Elevate student choice and voice to understand and explore career paths based on their unique YouScience outcomes.
“On behalf of ElevateEdAZ and our partnership with Mesa Public Schools, we extend our sincere congratulations to the extraordinary Mountain View Ninth Grade Academy teachers, Darren Zink, Megan Hollaway and Paige Kanaly, for receiving the prestigious Educator Award. YouScience Innovator. Thank you for your exceptional contributions to education and for setting a high standard for others to follow. Well deserved! A special thank you to those in the District who make this partnership possible: District Superintendent Dr. Andi Forlis; Mountain View director Mike Oliver; the district director of CTE and Innovative Alliances, Marlo Loria; and college and career advisor, Vicki Schomaker.” said Amir Law, EdD, district director, Mesa Public Schools, ElevateEdAZ.
Pioneering Innovation in the Lewis-Palmer School District
Jessica McAllister, secondary programs coordinator for the Lewis-Palmer School District, has been praised for her business leadership and forward-thinking approach. With more than 23 years working in education, McAllister has spearheaded innovative practices, including the implementation of YouScience, to help students find their passions and prepare for future careers. Under her leadership, the district, which encompasses three district-operated high schools, has adopted innovative programs to elevate career and college readiness, work-based learning opportunities, and community partnerships.
Highlights of Jessica McAllister's achievements:
- Integration of career and technical education (CTE) courses with academic programs, providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for both employment and college.
- Apply for and win numerous grants to meet the unique needs of her student population, including hiring critical staff and counselors for each of her schools, as well as providing access to career exploration programs for the Innovative Learning Opportunities Program she oversees .
- Focusing on a student-centered educational approach, he led the renovation of an existing building, leveraging the district's carpentry classes to gain hands-on experience in renovation and rallying community members for support, to create a space for student-run businesses. The space now houses several businesses, including the production of goods and services available to our school district departments and eventually to the community at large. Each company is run like a real corporation and students perform the roles of senior management, marketing, sales, customer service and finance teams.
“Jessica's progressive and thoughtful thinking is impacting our students' futures through career and college readiness, work-based learning opportunities, and community partnerships for lasting impact,” said Amber Whetstine, School District 38 deputy superintendent. by Lewis-Palmer.
Empowering Vale High School Students
Zach Knapp, CTE educator at Vale Middle School, has been recognized for his dedication to empowering students to explore career paths and make informed decisions about their future. With 20 years of teaching experience, Knapp has integrated YouScience into its curriculum, guiding students to discover their aptitudes and interests and align them with relevant educational opportunities. His commitment to student success has led to greater professional awareness and preparation among his students.
Highlights of Zach Knapp's achievements:
- Introducing YouScience to help students identify their best-fit career paths and quantify their skills, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future, whether it's a traditional college path or an alternative route.
- Recognizing the gap in Health Sciences education, Zach encouraged and supported the high school to pioneer a new high school CNA course, ensuring that students with aptitudes in this career group have continued educational opportunities. after leaving high school.
- Creating unique career exploration opportunities for his students, Zach organized a school-wide, full-day field trip, allowing his students to explore eight different local industries and paving the way for early career exposure in high school.
“As a Vale Middle School CTE teacher, Mr. Knapp's innovative approach not only inspires but also empowers our students to reach their full potential. By incorporating YouScience into your curriculum for all seventh and eighth grade students, you help them identify their aptitudes and strengths, guiding them toward career and educational paths that align with their abilities. Thanks to your dedication, students transition to high school equipped with individualized 4-year academic plans tailored to their aspirations,” said Lisa Andersen, VMS Principal, Vale School District.
Celebrating innovation in education
The YouScience Innovative Educator Award celebrates educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity in preparing students for an ever-evolving career landscape. These educators exemplify the essence of innovation in education, leveraging technology and creative teaching methods to empower the next generation of professionals.
“We are thrilled to recognize these exceptional educators for their dedication to innovation in education,” said Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience. “Their commitment to student success and preparing them for the future is truly commendable and we celebrate their accomplishments.”
Educators, students and parents are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates for subsequent awards by completing the submission form on the YouScience website.
To learn more about YouScience, visit youscience.com.
About YouScience
YourScience® is the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills and exposure gap crisis for students and employers. Your end-to-end platform, YouScience® Brightpath connects education with career applications designed to help students unlock their potential for future trajectories. YouScience leverages proven research, artificial intelligence, and industry input to help people identify their aptitudes, validate their skills and knowledge, and connect to real-world educational and career paths in high-demand occupations.
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