St. Louis Science Educator Receives Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers from the National Science Teachers Association

ARLINGTON, Va. — April 11, 2016 — The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning, has announced the recipients of its 2016 Teacher Awards.

University of Missouri College of Education alumnus Shane Chinni (BS Ed `12, M Ed `13), a science teacher at Barbara Jordan Elementary in St. Louis, Mo., was awarded the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers. The award provides up to 25 K–12 teachers in their first five years of teaching with funds to attend NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education.

Award recipients are mentored and provided with continuing opportunities for involvement with NSTA and its professional learning opportunities. Chinni received his award at a special banquet and ceremony at NSTA’s National Conference in Nashville on Friday, April 1.

The NSTA Teacher Awards program recognizes extraordinary K–12 teachers, professors, principals, and science educators for their outstanding achievements in science education. “We’re proud to honor these outstanding teachers and science education professionals who are not only making a significant mark on the profession, but also inspiring the next generation of informed citizens, scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and innovators,” noted NSTA President Carolyn Hayes. “We congratulate Mr. Chinni on winning the Maitland award and hope that the professional learning opportunities he receives will provide him with innovative new ideas and strategies for teaching science,” said Hayes.

NSTA encourages science educators to apply for its 2017 Teacher Awards. Applications and information can be found online here.

About NSTA

The Arlington, VA-based National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA’s current membership includes approximately 55,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

Contact:
Cindy Workosky, NSTA
(703) 312-9248
cworkosky@nsta.org