We often think of excellence in science education as providing rigorous and intellectually stimulating instruction to students who will be researchers and scientists of the 21st century. I have been privileged to guide students of all ability levels in science inquiry and exploration. The PAEMST Award acknowledges the importance of providing excellent science instruction to all students, in classrooms with their peers, and with teachers who expect excellence from them.

Colette Bos Mesa, AZ | 7-12, Science, 2009

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Colette Bos has been an educator for 21 years in Mesa, AZ. For the last 9 years, she has been the seventh grade team leader at Smith Junior High School, where she teaches Integrated Science. Previously, she taught Earth Science and Arizona Geology classes at Red Mountain High School. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Mesa Community College, Central Arizona College, and Arizona State University. In 2003, Colette piloted a program in which regular and special education students were instructed in a team-taught program. The resulting success rate of the special education students led to the incorporation of this model in all three grade levels of science and later into all core courses at Smith Junior High. Colette believes this program to be the highlight of her career to date. Colette's impact on science education extends beyond her classroom. She has shared her excitement for innovative science instruction by facilitating workshops on geology, differentiation, curriculum mapping, inquiry methods, and inclusive classrooms. Colette has a B.S. in Geology from California State University, Fullerton, an M.Ed. from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Madison University. She is certified in secondary science.

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