WOODSTOCK — Woodstock Academy named science teacher, Valerie May, as the Teacher of the Year for the 2014 – 2015 school year. 

In her 17 years at the Academy, May has been commended nationally for her continued research and innovative work, has been at the forefront of incorporating technology into classrooms, and has transformed the Academy’s science department. 

May led the charge in organizing the Science Department into a data team, using quarterly assessments to gather student data and improve student performance. She was also one of the first teachers at the Academy to incorporate technology into her classroom. With the use of different technologies, May has enhanced her AP and Honors Biology lab experiments and implemented flipped and blended classroom styles similar to many colleges and universities.

“She’s led a lot of initiatives here at the Academy from a flipped classroom to utilizing technology as an educational tool,” said Associate Headmaster Holly Singleton. “She was one of the first teachers who was willing to do a one-to-one program and by integrating technology skills into a normal content area, students who have taken her classes have been more advanced in their studies.”

May has also been recognized nationally, presenting at several prestigious conferences such as National Association of Biology Teachers Conferences, leading professional development workshops for teachers around the country, and receiving invitations to exclusive lecture series and events at distinguished institutes like the Centers for Disease Control and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Reputable companies including the College Board and Pearson Publishing have called May for advice on how to improve their products or her opinion on how to enhance learning opportunities for students.

“Woodstock Academy is privileged to have such a revolutionary, passionate, and dedicated teacher as part of our faculty,” said  Headmaster Chris Sandford. 

 

“Mrs. May is an excellent role model and leader not only for our students and in our science department, but in the entire Academy community. She is a shining example of the type of educator who strives to excel, continuously learn, and bring that learning back to her students.”