Spain Park science teachers chosen for national conference

Spain Park High School will be well represented at the 2016 National Science Teachers Association’s national conference this spring.

Seven members of the science faculty at Spain Park were selected to be presenters at the conference, set for the week of spring break, March 31-April 3, in Nashville.

Teachers had to apply to be presenters, and Spain Park Principal Larry Giangrosso said he’s excited so many from his school were chosen.

 “This is big for us,” Giangrosso said.

Teachers chosen to make presentations were Kristin Bundren, Kristie Cannon, Emily Dunn, Jean Gillespie, Pamela Harman, Jeff Johnson and Amber Lewis.

Topics they’ll be covering include digitally enhanced lessons, how to use digital tools and devices to assess student learning, how to start a forensics program, budget-friendly forensics activities and labs, and hands-on science and engineering labs.

“I feel like we have so much to offer,” said Amber Lewis, one of two heads of the science department at Spain Park. “We do a lot of really innovative things here. It seems a little unfair not to share. We have a lot of smart, motivated teachers.”

Teachers grow through collaboration, and “this gives us a chance to expand our collaboration outside of the school,” Lewis said.

Spain Park had four or five teachers chosen to present at the national science teachers’ conference in Boston in 2008, but more teachers were selected to present this year than ever before, Bundren said.

Eleven of the 17 science faculty members at Spain Park are planning to attend the conference this year, at an expected cost of $10,981, including conference registration, hotel, food and travel costs.

The Hoover City Schools Foundation contributed $1,000 toward the trip, as did the Hoover-based Legendary Shots trick basketball shot group. Science faculty members continue to look for other sponsorship help.