This award is given annually to one science teacher in Tennessee who has made significant contributions to science teaching and learning. The Tennessee Academy of Science (TAS) administers the awards program.

Begun in 1997 by TAS, the awards program is designed to recognize outstanding science teachers.  Ms. Robertson will receive a plaque and a $500 cash award from TAS.

Laura has made many contributions to science education.  Her service to teaching and learning is outstanding. She is widely recognized as an individual who demonstrates excellence in her science teaching. Through her efforts, hard work, and many positive attributes, Ms. Robertson has been instrumental in planning and implementing innovative programs in her school.

She is a leader both in and outside of her science classroom. For example, she is currently serves as teacher leader of University School science department. Her students consistently participate in science competition programs for which she is an active sponsor for these events. She has participated in as well as organized an array of science workshops and symposia; and she actively serves as a mentor teacher for student teachers. Ms. Robertson has also served as a consultant to a variety of groups, including the Horizon, Inc. and The Praxis Series. She is currently involved in a research study in which she is examining and comparing science teaching in China and the United States.

She is the author or co-author of several papers that have been published in refereed journals, including Science Scope and the International Journal of Science Education. Laura has done book reviews for the National Council of Teachers of English as well as made presentations at several conferences and professional meeting. She has conducted a number of action research projects through which she has gathered information to inform her science teaching. Ms. Robertson has received several grants which have been used to enhance and enrich science teaching and learning. In addition, she is an active member of several professional organizations such as the National Science Teachers Association and the National Association of Research in Science Teaching.

She is recognized for her abilities to create effective learning environments for her students to become actively involved in inquiry and problem solving.  She provides opportunities for her students to ask thought provoking questions about the world and engages her students to answer them.  She incorporates the use of “hands-on minds-on” and process-oriented activities for the benefit of students’ learning.

Ms. Robertson received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology at UT Knoxville in 2000 and her Masters of Science (MS) in Elementary Education at UT Knoxville in 2001. She is a Ph.D. student in the science education program at North Carolina State University with an expected graduation date of 2010.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Jack Rhoton, Professor of Science Education and past president of the Tennessee Academy of Science, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614.  He can be reached by e-mail at Rhotonj@etsu.edu or by phone at 423-439-7589.