Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/618006
Winter 2015 | WEAnews 14 Fans UW Gene Smith is a recent winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching He received the award in Washington, D.C., over the summer, where he met President Obama and other Award recipients. "Gene puts students first, and he realizes that so much happens at school that shapes our children's tomorrows, and therefore he creates that love of learning and fosters great creativity in his students," said WEA President Kathy Vetter. "Science is the tool I use to encourage students to develop their potential for the future. Receiving the Presidential Award reinforces that I have been able to convey my enthusiasm into life lessons and to help students see that learning and community involvement are lifetime commitments. The Presidential Award challenges me to do more for my students, to become a better teacher, and to try harder to help each student see that every person is important," Smith said. Smith has taught seventh grade Earth Science at Dean Morgan Junior High School in Casper for the past 12 years. His previous 16 years were spent teaching Earth Science, Geography, and U.S. History at East Junior High in Casper, and science at Inarajan High School in Inarajan, Guam. For three years, he served on the Science Essential Curriculum Design and Implementation Committee for the Natrona County School District #1. He serves as a GPS coordinator for an annual project where students record veterans' graves in a local cemetery and, along with their parents and staff, place flags on graves for Memorial Day. He has also been the East Jr. High field studies coordinator for students in the Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota, and the sponsor of the National Geographic Geography Bee for 16 years. Smith has field experience in archaeological research in New Mexico, Washington, and Alaska, and has participated in geology and history field studies in Wyoming. He has been involved in historical research on the Casper Mountain Mining District and the student- directed preservation of Cedar Ridge archaeological sites. Thomas received a B.A. in archaeology, geography, and sociology from Adams State University, an A.S. in geology from Casper College, a B.A. in social studies and secondary education from the University of Wyoming at Casper, and a M.A in educational technology from Lesley University. Courtesy: National Science Foundation For the first time in WEA history, we teamed up with University of Wyoming athletics to have UW fans nominate the Educator of the Year. We are happy to announce that WEA member Zach Schneider from Natrona County High School was selected. Zach teaches drama at NCHS, and is very celebrated and respected amongst his peers for revamping the drama department at the high school. Zach gets recognition and four free tickets to the Men's Basketball Border War, a night's stay, and food vouchers! WAY TO GO, ZACH! Zach Schneider WEA member Gene Smith, holding his Presidential Award certificate, between Megan Smith, U.S. Chief Technology Officer, and Dr. France A. Córdova, Director of the National Science Foundation. (photo courtesy of the National Science Foundation) Nominated