Huber is science teacher of the year

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
“For me, the plaque was nice, but the kids hugging me and congratulating me was the real award,” said Shannon Huber, Newcastle Elementary School science teacher. 
Huber was recognized on May 9 during a brief assembly at the school for receiving the Wyoming Science Teachers Association Elementary Teacher of the Year Award. 
“Each year the WSTA presents a teacher of the year award to a Wyoming science teacher who has demonstrated outstanding service and skill,” the nomination states. 
One award goes to elementary school teachers annually, as well as awards for teaching in both middle school and high school who have exemplified excellent science teaching in their respective areas. 
Huber is finishing her fourth year of teacher elementary school science.
Before coming to Newcastle, Huber taught 10 years of eighth-grade physical science in Virginia.
“When I moved here, I started as a paraprofessional position and that led to this position (science teacher),” Huber said.
“I love science, so it was a perfect fit. Being able to teach K-5 is interesting. I have a passion for science, and I want to pass that on to the students.”
Huber said that starting science at a younger age is great for building a
passion for science and engaging students in the subject. 
Jody McCormack, science teacher at Newcastle Middle School, nominated Huber for the award, stating in her nomination letter that Huber has embraced a 3-D learning concept and has implemented state standards in the elementary school. 
“She connects standards from grade to grade to provide students with cohesiveness through their elementary science experience,” McCormack said in the nomination. “She challenges her students through exposing them to higher levels of vocabulary and encouraging them to problem solve independently.” 
She added that Huber also makes cross-curricular connections to mathematics and its role in science through exposure to graphs and formulas and other mathematical concepts. 
“In addition, she partners with fourth-grade teachers to support Wyoming history standards and their relationship in the science standards,” McCormack said. 
Huber also uses resources available in the community by having experts come to the classroom, from a Conservation District educational specialist to a University of Wyoming extension education specialist.
“These professionals provide hands-on lessons that foster students’ understanding of nature and their natural surroundings, as well as the natural resources Wyoming offers” McCormack said. 
In addition to “fostering a love of science on a daily basis,” Huber also uses Mallo Camp and other opportunities to further add science learning in younger students, McCormack said. 
The recognition is “just a bonus,” Huber said, with the real reward being fostering the love of science and working with the students she has grown to love. 
“I just really love my job. I come here (to school) everyday happy to be at work,” Huber said. “It is nice to be recognized for doing something you love and I was honestly shocked that I received this award.”