It is humbling to receive an award that affirms my dedication to instructional excellence. It is also a privilege to join a group of awardees who consistently demonstrate effective, innovative, and passionate instruction. I have been lucky to work with dedicated and reflective science instructors, and even more fortunate to share my energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge with students who are willing to take risks, be spirited, think critically, and dedicate themselves to hard work.   

Kenneth Vencile Rockport, ME | 7-12, Science, 2011

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

Ken Vencile has taught Honors and Advanced Placement biology at Camden Hills Regional High School for the past 7 years. He spent the previous 7 years at Georges Valley High School in Thomaston, ME.  Ken’s instruction is focused on fostering a passion for science. His strength is bringing lessons alive through rich and varied instruction in a rigorous environment.   Ken's teaching reaches beyond the walls of a classroom. Ken has established an immersive course in tropical marine ecology in which students conduct independent primary investigations. He collaborates with the University of Maine at Machias to offer students advanced field research experiences. He has also initiated a school-business partnership with Maine Medical Center to bring applied science content to his students.  Ken has worked as a science consultant and has written curriculum for Herring Gut Learning Center. He participates on multiple committees, and he has served as department chair and has mentored several new service teachers.  Ken has a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Maine at Machias and an M.S. in marine resources from the University of Maine. He is certified and highly qualified in grades 7-12 life science instruction and is National Board Certified in science/adolescence and young adulthood.

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