From Stafford County Schools:
Michael Pratte, the Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) K-12 Science Facilitator, has received the Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) Recognition in Science Education (RISE) award. VAST RISE Awards spotlight excellent work by science educators across the Commonwealth, recognizing service to science education in the individual’s school, school system, and the VAST district in which they work. Pratte is the recipient for excellent service in Science Supervision. He will be formally recognized during the virtual Fall 2021 Professional Development Institute on November 18.
“I am so excited for this school year and how Science is Back!” said Pratte. “I am continually inspired by my science colleagues and motivated each day to enhance our methods and materials to provide excellent experiential science learning opportunities for all of our students. It is a humbling responsibility to work with the many talented professionals in our schools and to have the opportunity to see their passion fulfilled as students practice skills, exploring and investigating the content.”
Concepts and skills learned during science instruction are also important cross-circularly, as they promote critical thinking and investigation.
“In his role as the K-12 Science Facilitator, Mike ensures science curriculum is about more than sitting behind a table in a classroom,” said Dr. Stanley B. Jones, Interim Superintendent. “His work to incorporate field experiences, STEM opportunities, and engage both students and teachers in the process is admirable. We are fortunate to have him on our team.”
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) was formed in 1952 with the mission of promoting excellence in science teaching and learning in Virginia. The organization is composed of public, private, pre-service, and higher education science teachers, as well as formal and informal science educators. VAST is the Virginia state chapter of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).
For more information about the goals, standards, resources, and experiences available through SCPS science instruction, visit www.staffordschools.net.
