2011-2012 Letter from the Awards Chair

Hello everyone!

My name is Jill Bucher and I am serving as ISTA Awards Chair. I taught high school science for 9 years and have spent the past 10 years as an assistant professor at Lincoln College in Normal, IL. The awards ISTA has are a tremendous opportunity for everyone so I strongly encourage all members to apply for the awards. We know there are some great teachers and schools in our membership, please share your efforts and accomplishments with us. It would be our pleasure to honor you!

This was a very exciting year for ISTA Awards with many new honors and developments. First, the Awards Committee selected five talented teachers from across the State to receive the $1000 from the ISTA ExxonMobil Outstanding Teacher of Science Award in March. The teachers completed an application and submitted letters of recommendation along with artifacts from their classroom.

In June, the Committee selected four up-and-coming science stars for the ISTA New Teacher of the Year Award. These teachers were nominated by colleagues or administrators and will receive $750.

Thirdly, the newest award the Excellence in Science School Award for K-12 Schools (ESS) was won by Niles North High School and included a pep rally and banner for the school to display. This award is designed to recognize the excellent science programs at the school building level. Focusing on the Critical Mass concept, the contributions of members of the science school teams, administration and school community are documented to emphasize the common goal of success among the students.

Biographies and pictures of all the winners of the 2011-2012 ISTA awardees are posted on the website. In addition, all winners will be honored at the ISTA conference luncheon and receive recognition there as well.

If any prospective members or schools wish to apply for an award… join ISTA and apply now!

Please note that the 2011-2012 ISTA awards cycle deadlines:

Outstanding Teacher Award – February 1, 2012 (download application)
New Teacher Award - May 1, 2012 (download application)
Excellence in Science School Award – June 1, 2012 (download application)

Thank You, ExxonMobil and United States Gypsum for funding these awards and for your commitment to ISTA’s mission of promoting excellence in science teaching and learning throughout Illinois.

For further information or questions about the awards ISTA offers email me jbucher@ista-il.org Looking forward to seeing your award application soon!

Jill Bucher
ISTA Awards Chair