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WOODSTOCK — The Woodstock Academy AP Biology Teacher Valerie May was nationally recognized for sharing her lifelong learning with her students, colleagues, and the biology community, receiving the 2022 Kim Foglia AP Biology Service Award.
This award, given annually, recognizes an AP Biology teacher who displays a willingness to share materials, serves as a mentor to both students and professional colleagues, creates an innovative and student-centered classroom environment, and exemplifies a personal philosophy that encourages professional growth as an AP biology teacher and member of that community. The award includes a $1000 honorarium, a recognition plaque to be presented at the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) Professional Development Conference, and one-year complimentary membership to NABT.
In a letter of recommendation for the award, Woodstock Academy Dean of Academics Michael Harten wrote, “Her many years as an AP Biology teacher, professional development facilitator, curriculum writer, Board of Trustees Academic Committee member, club advisor, and learner have made a significant impact on her colleagues, our students, and The Woodstock Academy.”
“While my primary goal as a biology teacher is to guide my students to better understand the natural world, my ultimate goal is to prepare students for the world they will encounter outside my classroom,” said May. “When facilitating professional development workshops for other biology teachers across the country or contributing to online communities of AP Biology teachers, I try to focus on building other teachers’ confidence to take on the work in a way that benefits students. It is a great honor to be this year’s recipient,” she added.
“Her student-focused lesson planning and high standard of providing quality instruction to all students is part of what makes Val an exemplary teacher,” said academy science teacher Melany Gronski. “I am proud to call her my colleague and excited that she has been honored with this award as it is well-deserved.”
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