"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." This quote by Henry Ford captures my tenure as a teacher. My greatest strength has been bringing people together, building excitement around an idea, enabling others to reach their potential, and together achieving great success. This award is an affirmation that teamwork and collaboration are key to providing exemplary educational opportunities for students. This inspires me to keep going.

Myron Blosser Harrisonburg, VA | 7-12, Science, 2019

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

Myron Blosser has been a science educator for 36 years and for the past six years has served as the Co-director of the Governor’s STEM Academy at Harrisonburg High School where he has taught for 21 years. Previously, he taught at Eastern Mennonite School for twelve years and Strasburg High School for three years. He currently teaches freshmen STEM Biology and a senior-level Biotechnology course. Students in Myron’s classes are encouraged to conduct scientific research and develop mentor relationships with area and national scientists who can guide and encourage them to develop their research and presentation skills. Since 1994, Myron has hosted an annual Shenandoah Valley biotechnology symposium for students that is focused on the latest research from prominent scientists, as well as learning biotechnology laboratory techniques. Over 9,000 students have participated in these Symposiums. Myron’s pedagogy features a long history of using experiential learning to create excitement in the learning process, including taking students to local farms , conducting research in nearby Shenandoah National Park, and visiting islands in the Chesapeake Bay. Myron has organized month-long journeys for his students across the nation in a discovery experience utilizing national parks and scientists exploring a variety of case studies affecting our nation. In each case, students gather real data and find real answers utilizing a variety of stakeholders. Myron has presented sessions on experiential learning and student research at many science conferences and has received multiple awards for his teaching at the state and national levels. Myron earned a B.S. in biology education and a M.Ed. in curriculum development from Eastern Mennonite University.

Know a great teacher like Myron Blosser?