This award is a huge honor and I am incredibly grateful for the recognition. I am familiar with the work of a few former PAEMST recipients and I am honored to be included as a member of such an accomplished group. I fully believe that great teachers help to make other great teachers. I am thrilled to use this PAEMST recognition as a vehicle to help influence the next generation of great science educators.

Scott Sowell Jacksonville, FL | 7-12, Science, 2019

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

Scott Sowell is in his 24th year in science education, having taught at the middle school, high school, and college levels. Scott previously taught at Kirby-Smith Middle School, Damascus Community School, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Florida State University, Cleveland State University, The Art Institute, and Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School. Now in his 12th year at Darnell-Cookman, Scott is currently teaching 10th-12th grade Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Senior Seminar Capstone Research. In addition to teaching, Scott is also science Department Chair, College Board consultant, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) biointeractive ambassador, and mentor for his school’s new teacher induction program. Scott enthusiastically supports his students’ efforts in learning more about the natural history of the North Florida area. He is the sponsor of his school’s Envirothon teams, which have won many awards at regional and state competitions over the years. He is also currently working on a longitudinal water quality project with his Advanced Placement Environmental Science students in which they are monitoring bacteria and nutrient levels of a nearby tributary within the St. Johns River watershed. Scott received his B.A. in Spanish and a B.S. in biology from the University of North Florida. In addition, he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in science education from Florida State University, with research focusing on the relationships between gender equity and the nature of science understandings. Scott is currently certified in both middle grades general science and biology.

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