Terry Evers and Toni Hanson will be recognized for high honors in science education on November 10th at the Oregon Science Teacher’s Association annual conference.

Evers is Oregon finalist for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education Award

Evers, an instructional facilitator and 4th-5th grade teacher at Ewing Young Elementary, is one of two Oregon finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. The award is the nation’s highest honor for teachers of math and science, recognizing leaders in the improvement of math and science education.  The National Science Foundation administers the award.

Evers, a 27-year veteran, is known as a creative and innovative teacher who inspires interest in science, technology, engineering and math through experiential learning.  Hands-on opportunities such as wind turbine engineering, designing parachutes or animal membranes, raising salmon from eggs and debating their survival in an energy-dependent society, speaks to his knowledge and passion for science as well as his ability to challenge and inspire students to be problem solvers, designers and critical thinkers. Evers was also instrumental in transitioning Ewing Young to a STEM-focused school. His involvement with the South Metro-Salem STEM makes him an asset for district teachers, connecting them with valuable resources to support their work in science.

Evers credits the recognition for his work in STEM as “a reflection of being fortunate to work with a great team of educators at Ewing Young, the Newberg School District, and South Metro STEM.”

“I have learned so much from my colleagues,” adds Evers. “I value the opportunities I have to provide students with awesome 5 C's (creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication and citizenship) learning experiences!”

Evers received the district’s Crystal Apple Award for excellence in elementary teaching in 2008.

Hanson named Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher

The Oregon Science Teacher’s Association is recognizing Toni Hanson as the Outstanding Middle School Classroom Teacher. Hanson is a science teacher and a STEM instruction facilitator at Mountain View Middle School. The award recognizes and honors her outstanding work in motivating student achievement and excitement in science.

After learning of the award, Hanson found herself reflecting on all the amazing people, including her own 8th grade science teacher, that inspired and motivated her own teaching over the years.

“These people embody the contagious enthusiasm to learn by doing and take risks,” said Hanson. “I work every day to provide all our students the same opportunities for growth.”

“Toni is a critical STEM teacher-leader in our region,” says Melissa DuBois, Director of the South Metro- Salem STEM Partnership. “She shares her time and work with other teachers in our region and has been a strong proponent for Oregon Connections, bringing STEM professionals into her classroom to illustrate real-world STEM careers and applications to her students.”

“These honors are so well deserved by Terry and Toni,” said Newberg Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza.  “Both Terry and Toni are excellent teachers who have strong commitment to our 21st century teaching and learning work.  They embody the 5 C's of communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and citizenship.”

LeBlanc-Esparza says that both teachers consistently look for ways to improve their craft and meet the needs of all students.  She adds that as they have transitioned into the role of instructional facilitators, they will have so many more opportunities to impact our system on a larger scale.