PAEMST is a celebration and acknowledgement of the work done by our entire school community. A main feature of my classroom work is ongoing collaboration with the other schools in our complex and organization and with STEM professionals in our military community. I believe in teaching science by bringing the classroom into the community and the community into the classroom. This award is the result of the work of our entire community in giving our students a variety of powerful STEM experiences.

Anna Sansone APO, AE | 7-12, Science, 2019

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

Anna Sansone has been a science teacher for 14 years and is currently in her fourth year teaching seventh and eighth grade science at Vicenza Middle School for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Previously, she taught at CEICO school in Orizaba, Mexico, for one year; Orr Academy High School in Chicago, IL, for three years; EJ King High School in Sasebo, Japan, for five years; and Incirlik Unit School in Adana, Turkey, for one year. Anna believes that science should be taught in authentic contexts, and her teaching frequently embeds mathematics and science standards into problem-based or project-based learning. She and her students are currently building a geodesic dome to serve as the backdrop for a simulated Mars habitation unit, which they will use in a community showcase of their learning about space science. Other projects her students have participated in include design and monitoring of aquaponics systems, field-based investigations and trips relating to the local environment, and a variety of collaborations with other DoDEA students around the globe. Certified in mathematics, science, social studies, and as an educational technologist, Anna is a National Geographic certified educator, an alumna of Space Camp for Educators, and is the 2019 State Teacher of the Year for DoDEA. She has also participated in NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) social space science communication events. Anna earned a B.A. in environmental science and policy, a M.A. in secondary science teaching, a M.S. in instructional design and technology, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Michigan State University in educational psychology and educational technology. Her research centers on motivation and culturally responsive teaching in the science classroom.

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