Chamberlain High School’s Carrie Cox named Outstanding Physical Science Teacher – Mitchell Republic

CHAMBERLAIN, South Dakota — Carrie Cox grew up thoroughly enjoying her time in the classroom, both in high school and college. But she admitted that she didn’t exactly foresee becoming a teacher as her career.

However, life can sometimes lead people in unexpected directions.

The Woonsocket native is currently in her 10th year of teaching science at Chamberlain High School and was recently announced as South Dakota’s Outstanding Physical Science Teacher honoree at the annual South Dakota STEM Education Conference in Huron.

“I’m what you would call a nontraditional teacher,” Cox said. “When I came to Chamberlain 13 years ago, I followed my husband here and there were really no positions available. But there was an opening in a science position, and Deb Johnson, who was the superintendent at the time, asked me if I was interested in getting my teaching license.”

Ms. Cox, 36, grew up surrounded by teachers – her mother was an elementary school teacher in Woonsocket for 33 years, and her aunt taught in colonial schools near Huron for more than 20 years – but she didn’t know the specifics of becoming a teacher. There was no specific goal. She earned a master’s degree in animal science and ruminant nutrition from South Dakota State University and is considering pursuing a career in her field of research and perhaps pursuing her Ph.D. to teach at the university level. Ta.

But after earning her teaching license and diving into the world of teaching high school science, she has now spent 10 years guiding students through the world of chemistry, physical science, earth science, and physics.

“I’ve been teaching ever since. I was hooked,” Cox said.

Cox said her academic background is in research and she tries to bring aspects of that research into her classroom. She advises students who participate in science fairs and aims to incorporate real-world science problems into her lessons. She accompanies students on field trips to prestigious scientific outposts like the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Reed, where scientists work on major projects such as the deep underground neutrino experiment. Researching concepts.

Utilizing these types of activities can be a way to open students’ eyes to the wider world and show them that world-class scientific research is happening in their hometown.

“I try to incorporate what’s happening in the real world. I took a group of kids surfing this fall and it was so much fun. Seeing all the science going on there. “There’s science happening in South Dakota that isn’t being done anywhere else in the United States,” Cox said.

Mr Cox said inspiration was important in science, which was a difficult field to teach and needed more bright and enthusiastic students. Cox said that despite increasing career opportunities in the sciences, it can be difficult to educate students who are nervous about pursuing science as a career.

She and other teachers in the Chamberlain School District are working to counter that trend by cultivating a new group of students interested in pursuing nursing and other STEM-related careers. Cox said organizations like Health jobs Students of America, of which she has 21 active student members within the district, help guide that guidance.

Creating an atmosphere of respect and enthusiasm is an important goal in her classroom of approximately 120 students, and she strives to start each class with a smile. She hopes to tap into the same scientific curiosity that inspired her during her student days.

“We don’t see kids having the desire to explore careers in science. To find students who are willing to take the extra step, we push them and give them I feel like I need to be motivated and almost kindle a fire. I often feel like the fire is going out,” Cox said. “I walk into the classroom every day with a smile on my face and try to bring energy to the classroom. I try to give them excitement.”

Those efforts are part of what makes Cox an excellent candidate for the Outstanding Physical Science Teacher Award, according to Chad Ronisch, internship coordinator at Sanford Underground Research Facility, who nominated Cox for the Outstanding Physical Science Teacher Award. That’s what it means.

“This award reflects Carey’s commitment to student-centered learning, her content knowledge, and her professionalism, all of which exemplify what it means to be a great teacher,” Ronisch said in a statement. Ta. “She continually works to improve her own knowledge and pedagogy through professional development. Carrie sets high standards in the classroom and is passionate about helping her students reach those high standards. And when her students need concrete experiences to connect their learning to the lives they aspire to, she takes them to science settings or brings research into the classroom. and provide access to the latest science and research.”

Cox credits his fellow teachers and administrators, including Chamberlain School District Superintendent Justin Zajic and Chamberlain High School Principal Jeff Steckelberg, for fostering an environment that benefits students from all walks of life. He was praised for his contribution.

Zajic said Cox is an example of teachers across the district and state who have worked hard to improve the educational experience for students.

“Mrs. Carrie Cox is a teacher who is always looking for engaging lessons and connections between what she teaches and the real world. Students in her class not only understand the content and concepts, but also learn about STEM, I also understand the importance of science and the constant exploration of how the world works, and the Chamberlain School District is fortunate to have Mrs. Cox on our staff,” Zajic told The Mitchell Republic.

The need for more students who want to pursue careers in science, including science and math teachers and even substitute teachers, is as great as ever. When Ronish told Cox that he had nominated her for her award, she said that although she would love to participate in her award, she had no plans to attend her STEM conference in Huron this year. He said he had not.

She has a class to teach, the district is currently considering adding another science teacher, and it’s difficult to find a replacement, so she has an obligation to be there for her students. there was.

“I can’t go because I don’t have a secondary plane!” Cox laughed. “The education crisis we have also has a sub-crisis in which support is severely lacking. I have four children under the age of nine, so I try not to miss work as much as possible.”

Cox said she plans to continue shaping young minds in the classroom and is considering pursuing a doctoral degree at some point in the future.

Her career may have been an unexpected journey, but other up-and-coming students and even adults considering a career change find fulfillment and satisfaction in pursuing a career in science. She knows she can. That includes her teaching, where she finds her joy in interacting with young minds who are opening themselves to the larger world.

Cox said the world needs these young minds and supporting them on their path is a reward in itself.

“I really enjoy talking to young minds and it inspires me to keep moving forward,” Cox said. “You have time to help those people form opinions. With everything going on in the world right now, we really need science that helps not just technology, but also medicine and computer science. All we need are those students. I hope I can help and inspire them.”