I am honored to have been nominated. The application process afforded me a platform to critically reflect on my practice. It is a unique form of professional development. As I examined the decisions I make daily to move students forward in their understanding of critical science content, I found myself adjusting and making improvements to enhance learners’ experiences. I am fortunate to have been given this opportunity and feel privileged to be recognized alongside many talented educators.

Siobhan McVay Delran, NJ | 7-12, Science, 2017

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

Siobhan McVay is a science educator of 18 years, spending the past six years teaching 10-12th-grade Chemistry and Physical Sciences at Delran High School. She has also taught physical and biological sciences at Rahway High School. Siobhan holds high expectations for students as they engage in units centered on solutions to real-world problems. In her classroom, she encourages learners to do the intellectual lifting while working collaboratively with peers. Siobhan developed writing and standards-based assessment tools that are used school-wide. She has presented project-based learning units and learning scaffolds at the New Jersey Science Convention and New Jersey Writing Alliance. Siobhan worked with the Merck Institute for Science Education as a content area specialist providing workshops for Pennsylvania and New Jersey science educators. Working with fellow science teachers has allowed her to share and model inquiry and constructivist teaching methods, encouraging students to dig deep into science content. Siobhan serves as subject area leader at Delran as well as the advisor for the chemical engineering & manufacturing, and diversity clubs. Siobhan earned her B.S., with honors, in animal science and her secondary teaching certification from Michigan State University and a M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania. Siobhan is certified to teach physical and biological sciences.

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