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Sheryl McLaughlin earns VAST RISE award

Sheryl McLaughlin, science teacher at Jones Magnet Middle School, has received the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Science Education (RISE) award. The VAST RISE awards are presented to spotlight the excellent work done by science educators across the Commonwealth. They recognize service to science education. McLaughlin is the recipient for Remote Teaching (middle school). The awards ceremony will be held virtually during the VAST conference, November 12 and 14, 2020.

“It is such an honor receiving the VAST RISE Remote Teaching Middle School Award,” said McLaughlin. “I am thankful to Susan Booth for the nomination, and to be working for a school division that continuously provides professional development on technology and creating engaging virtual lessons. We have all spent many hours researching fun, engaging activities and strategies to keep student's attention and promote learning. I try to constantly remember HCS's key word while we are all going through this pandemic together: Grace.”

Venicia Ferrell, HCS curriculum leader for science said, “Sheryl McLaughlin is a highly accomplished middle school science and mentor teacher. She understands that great teachers become facilitators and must be willing to allow their students to assume control over their own learning. Mrs. McLaughlin's strengths would be her motivation to tackle new challenges, incorporate appropriate new technology, her ability to relate her subject to her students, and provide an environment where students can be risk-takers. This summer she joined our curriculum writing team and created more than 15 live Zoom science lessons for physical science that are being used all across HCS this nine weeks. She is a wealth of knowledge and an invaluable resource to HCS.”

The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) was formed in 1952 with the mission of promoting excellence in science teaching and learning in Virginia (PreK-16+). The organization continues to thrive with members from across the state who are teachers, supervisors, superintendents, university professors, building leaders, and pre-service students. VAST is the Virginia state chapter of the National Science Teaching Association. Their mission is to: inspire students, provide professional learning opportunities, build partnerships, and advocate for excellence at the school, local, state, and national levels.