Since 1990, the Texas Medical Association has celebrated Texas science teachers who share their passion for science and public health with students using innovative methods and genuine interest.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of TMA’s Ernest and Sarah Butler Awards for Excellence in Science Teaching, and you’re invited to participate.
If you know a science teacher who has inspired you and is inspiring future physicians, nominate him or her for the award today.
Last year’s overall winner, Kaneice Washington (second from left), who teaches at Galena Park Elementary near Houston, said her goal as an educator is to "keep natural curiosity going and foster lifelong lovers of science."
To keep her students interested and engaged in her science classes, Ms. Washington puts on magic shows or writes rap songs about subjects like geology.
“There’s a book called Teach Like a Pirate that says if you give students an uncommon experience, they’ll give you an uncommon effort. And that’s what I try to do with my kids,” Ms. Washington said.
The deadline to nominate a science teacher for this year’s awards is Tuesday Dec. 3.
The awards are open to full-time public and private school teachers who have been teaching in classrooms for at least two years, and will be teaching during the 2020-21 school year.
Up for grabs is $51,500:
- Three first-place Texas science teachers each will receive $6,000, a $2,000 resource grant for their school science curriculum, and an all-expense paid trip to TexMed 2020 (TMA's annual conference) in Fort Worth for the award ceremony.
- Second-place winners each receive $4,000 and another $1,000 for their schools.
- Rookie awards of $1,500 plus $1,000 for their schools are made to teachers who have taught for fewer than five years.
- TMA will award one first-place winner with an additional $5,000 teacher award to be announced at our presentation ceremony.
The awards are made possible with a grant from the TMA Foundation, which is supported through an endowment generously established by Dr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Butler and gifts from physicians and their families.
Last Updated On
November 26, 2019
Originally Published On
November 26, 2019