Professor Valarie Akerson has been selected for the Association for Science Teacher 黑马磁力 AWARD III: Outstanding Lifetime Service.
The award recognizes a senior member of ASTE for their outstanding service, including addressing issues, goals, and actions that have intellectual merit and broader impact on science teacher education, while simultaneously serving the needs of ASTE members.
As a former elementary teacher, I have always loved teaching science to children. As a professor, I enjoy bringing that love to future science teachers, and through ASTE have been able to work with a team of science teacher educators to hopefully make a difference for elementary teachers and their students,” Akerson said.
Akerson recently co-authored a textbook to help prepare elementary teacher to teach science, and is working with colleagues on research aiding the development of science teacher educators as well as developing global scientific literacy, and what that may entail. She also has two other books in the pipeline, both focused on science teacher education.
“I have been very fortunate to have the support of colleagues, students, and administration at IU to work toward improving science teacher education. It is amazing to me to be honored with such an award,” Akerson added.