Beth Spear, an Earth Science teacher at Central High School was recently selected as Wisconsin’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST). These awards are given for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level.” Spear was nominated by Kristin Michalski, who is a science teacher at East Troy High School. Below is what Kristin had to say about Beth in her nomination submission:
Beth has taught science at Central High School, Salem, WI for 10 years. Prior to teaching, she worked as an environmental consultant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology from University of Wisconsin Parkside, Kenosha, WI., and a master’s degree in Hydrogeology and Water Resources from Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Her teaching certification was completed at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) Milwaukee Area Collaborative Science and Technology Education Program. Beth believes it is important to keep her knowledge of science topics and practices up to date so that her lessons are relevant and meaningful. She has been involved in programs that allowed her to bring unique experiences back to her students. Some of these great programs that encourage and foster inquiry and innovation in the classroom include: Research Experience for Teachers (RET) at UWM , National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Teacher at Sea volunteer, Global Environmental Teaching South Africa – University of Wisconsin Steven’s Point, National Radio Astronomy Observatory Pulsar Workshop in Green Bank, WV, Arecibo Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico, Synchrotron Radiation Center in Stoughton, WI., San Diego Zoo Conservation Research Workshop Beth’s participation in these programs have provided the inspiration to create interesting, relevant, inquiry-based activities for her students.”
