Nichole Nuccio is one of those teachers that likes to think outside the box to reach her students at LA New Tech at Plain Dealing. The science teacher is always eager to build on her knowledge and learn new ways to engage her students.
It is that passion that has led to Nuccio being selected by the National Science Teachers Association as one of only 11 teachers from Louisiana ‑— and one of 244 in the nation — as Fellows in the prestigious 2012-13 NSTA New Science Teacher Academy. The NSTA is the largest professional organization in the world that promotes excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning.
Selected from hundreds of applicants nationwide, the Fellows will participate in a year-long professional development program designed to help promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence and improve teacher content knowledge.
"I am excited about this opportunity and I look forward to the big conference in the Spring," Nuccio said.
When asked during the application process about what she likes most about teaching science, Nuccio replied, "I appreciate the 'ah-ha' and teachable moments that compliment teaching science. Every moment in the classroom is an experiment, with a different outcome each day."
She added, "I know that Bossier students will benefit from the program through a teacher's participation." Nuccio is also hopeful other science educators will see this opportunity and apply next year.
The Dow Chemical Company Foundation is the primary sponsor of the fellowship program.
"Dow believes the future of successful STEM related careers for our youth is heavily influenced by passionate science teachers who are encouraged and mentored in their profession," said Bo Miller, President of the Dow Chemical Company Foundation. "The New Science Teacher Academy engages early career teachers in an impactful way and Dow is proud to support them as they develop their teaching skills."
