Grand Prize Winner:
For 17 years, Ms. Smith has built strong bonds with students and families, guiding children to understand that mistakes are a part of learning. She teaches all core content at Lakeview Elementary School. Recognizing that her beginning-of-year lessons are often a student’s first experience with science, she designs activities that excite and prepare them to learn.
Her classroom was chosen as a model for the district's New Teacher Academy, allowing new teachers to observe her engaging approach firsthand. In addition to mentoring new teachers, Ms. Smith shares her ideas through professional development training and continues to cheer for former students long after they leave her classroom. Through her dedication and support, she helps students build confidence and develop a love for learning that extends far beyond the school year.
Distinguished Award Winners:
Joseph Ferrara, EdD | Portfolio
Dr. Ferrara is a dedicated science teacher who builds his classroom around curiosity and real-world connections. At All Saints Episcopal School, he teaches AP and honors science classes to multiple high school grade levels, designing each unit to spark student interest through engaging questions, labs, and guest speakers.
One unique aspect of Dr. Ferrara’s classroom is his use of live snakes, especially ball pythons. What began as a class pet has grown into a full breeding program run by students, offering hands-on lessons in genetics, behavior, and responsibility. His goal is to help students develop scientific thinking skills over time, providing support and opportunities for growth at every level.
Dr. Ferrara helps students truly understand science; not simply memorize facts. He breaks lessons down into manageable parts, offers regular feedback through check-ins, and encourages growth through retakes and reflection. In his classroom, students feel excited to learn, supported to improve, and inspired to think like scientists.
Jacqualine Jones | Portfolio
For Ms. Jones, creating a safe and supportive classroom is the key to student success. She teaches seventh grade science at Grantham Academy and draws on her own experiences as a student to build a learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and growing.
Ms. Jones brings science to life through hands-on lessons that make learning memorable. One of her favorites is a digestive system lab where students use breakfast foods like donuts and Pop-Tarts to simulate how the body breaks down food, making complex concepts fun and easy to understand.
She feels proud when her students get excited about science, ask questions, and apply what they’ve learned outside the classroom. More than anything, Ms. Jones hopes her students leave her class feeling confident, curious, and inspired by the world of science.
Joseph Parthemore | Portfolio
Mr. Parthemore believes teaching is about helping students think deeply and solve real-world problems. He currently teaches third- and fourth-grade science at Glenhope Elementary School and will move to Heritage Elementary this fall to teach fifth-grade science and math.
Mr. Parthemore uses project-based learning to connect science to everyday life and empower students to take ownership of their learning. His lessons challenge students to work together on projects such as saving energy or improving traffic safety, while giving them choices over how they learn and share their work so everyone can participate in a way that fits their strengths.
He regularly monitors student progress and adapts lessons to keep each learner on track. By bringing in outside experts and constantly refining his teaching, Mr. Parthemore creates meaningful, real-world experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem solvers.
Rookie Award Winner:
Mr. Lee teaches at Stafford STEM Magnet Academy and strives to inspire not only academic success but lifelong curiosity and confidence in his students. Mr. Lee brings science to life through engaging, real-world connections. He incorporates healthy competition through educational games, encourages collaborative learning, and exposes students to future careers with field trips and hands-on experiences. To further spark student interest in health science, he established a Health Occupations Students of America chapter, creating a unique platform for exploration beyond the classroom. Mr. Lee is not just preparing students for their academic futures – he is equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive in the emerging field of medicine and biotechnology.