BEAVERTON, Oregon — Vernier Science Education has selected ten outstanding STEM teachers from high schools across the country to join the newly formed Vernier Trendsetters community. This select professional learning community marks an important milestone in the company's commitment to supporting educators, advancing STEM literacy, and revolutionizing classroom learning experiences.
“This first group of Vernier Trendsetters community members are enthusiastic and passionate educators who are committed to hands-on learning leveraging Vernier technology to engage and inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers,” said Jill Hedrick, CEO from Vernier Science Education. . “We look forward to collaborating closely with these educators, showcasing their innovative practices, and further elevating their teaching impact in the global scientific community.”
The Vernier Trendsetters community offers educators a forum to enhance their teaching skills, specifically through the use of Vernier data collection technology, and to engage in meaningful collaboration with like-minded leading STEM educators.
The first cohort of the Vernier Trendsetter Community includes the following educators:
- Cecelia Gillam, EdD, environmental science teacher at Hahnville High School in Boutte, Louisiana
- Charlotte Whiteside, math teacher at Salem Hills High School in Salem, Utah
- Crystal McDowell, science department chair and AP biology, human physiology and genetics teacher at Greenbrier High School in Evans, Georgia
- Diane Vrobel, chemistry and physical sciences teacher at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Ohio
- Eric Robinson, physics teacher at Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, California
- Eric Walters, Director of STEM Education and Professor of Physics and Atmospheric Sciences at Marymount School of New York in New York City, New York
- Nick Watkins, earth sciences, physical sciences, and physics teacher at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, Washington
- Paula Downie, physics teacher at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, Texas
- Petra van't Slot, professor of student research and integrated biology and chemistry, environmental sciences and students at Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey
- Robert Beal, physics and AP physics teacher at West Chicago Community High School in West Chicago, Illinois
These members of the Vernier Trendsetter community will have the opportunity to provide and participate in professional development, collaborate on content with Vernier, provide feedback on programming and upcoming products, and more. Additionally, community members may have the opportunity to be featured nationally for their implementation of data collection technology and be eligible for financial support to attend and present at conferences.
“I am excited to be part of a network of like-minded educators committed to shaping STEM education,” says Gillam, EdD. “I was always taught that iron sharpens iron, so you need to be around other people who will help you hone your skills and become a better educator.”
“I look forward to contributing to this growing community of educators and collaborating and training other teachers on how to use sensors as a tool to drive physics learning and teaching,” Watkins said. “I have been able to make science visible to my students by putting the data in their hands, which is made easier with Vernier sensors.”
This collaborative environment will allow educators to improve their teaching methodologies and inspire students to excel in STEM fields. The Vernier Trendsetters community embodies Vernier Science Education's commitment to supporting educators and driving innovation and curiosity in STEM education.
Applications for the Vernier Trendsetters community will continue on an ongoing basis. To learn more about the community and apply for the next cohort, visit https://www.vernier.com/trendsetters.
About Vernier Science Education
For more than 40 years, Vernier Science Education has been committed to using our experience, knowledge and passion to create the best and most trusted solutions for STEM education. Our comprehensive solutions include hardware, software, content, assessment, professional development and technical support. At the heart of Vernier is our deep commitment to being an authentic and trusted partner for STEM educators. We are dedicated to partnering with educators and communities to build a STEM-literate society where students grow into informed citizens who can solve problems, fully contribute to their communities, and drive innovation. For more information visit www.vernier.com.
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