For outstanding work and dedication, two teachers from the biology department, Beth Jewell and Susan Kinsley, received prestigious awards that recognized their hard work in teaching.

Jewell was named Teacher of the Year from the National Marine Education Association (NMEA). Kinsley was nominated the Best Biology Teacher for 2010 by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT).             

  Kinsley described her long nomination process. She was nominated by former West Springfield administrator Mike Mukai, who completed the nomination packet. This packet includes letters of support from an administrator, a fellow teacher, a parent, and a student, as well as a videotape of Kinsley teaching in the classroom.

After this long process, and competing with hundreds of other nominees, Kinsley was named the Best Virginia Biology Teacher of 2010.

“I was shocked. There are so many excellent teachers out there, most of whom were not even nominated,”said Kinsley. “I felt very fortunate to have an administrator who took the time and effort to nominate me.”

To celebrate all of the great biology teachers and their achievements, the National Association of Biology Teachers will host a luncheon at their national conference this November. There, each teacher receives a free microscope and one other piece of science equipment.

Jewell was also recognized for her work in biology and oceanography. Jewell started the oceanography program at the school in the early 1990s. Now, she has helped set the standards for teaching the course throughout Fairfax County

 Both awards are a huge success as they recognize only the most prestigious and diligent of science teachers. Both Jewell and Kinsley, but have gone above and beyond the call of teaching.

“I think any teacher needs to love kids, have patience, compassion and understanding and be able to build strong relationships in the classroom…not just student/teacher relationships, but also student/student relationships,” said Kinsley.                  

Kinsley is the department chairperson and biology team leader which require her to stay after beyond her regular teaching hours. Jewell also dedicates her time by staying after helping students and improving the Oceanography department.       

“As far as specific qualities for biology teachers, a love and wonder of the natural world is important,” said Kinsley. “I don’t display these qualities every day, but I hope I display them more days than not!”