A major portion of my PAEMST monetary award was used to purchase equipment and supplies for student environmental investigations related to surface water quality. Items included two video cameras with microscope adapters for benthic studies, etc. The award inspired me to encourage district- and state-level teaching colleagues to engage their learners in science investigations. In addition, I was motivated to continue my education and subsequently earned a doctorate degree in science curriculum.

Dennis Travis Bloomfield Hills, MI | 7-12, Science, 1986

Dennis B. Travis currently is retired from science teaching. At the time he received the 1986 PAEMST recognition, he taught Advanced Placement Biology at Lahser High School (presently consolidated with another district high school). During his teaching, he placed emphasis on an inquiry-based approach by actively engaging learners in the process of experimental design. His dedication to teaching and ability to inspire learners is exemplified in numerous written quotations from parents, students, and professional colleagues. The following comments may be found in supporting letters included in his 1986 PAEMST application: Parents (Marion and Lawrence Warbasse, MD): “Mr. Travis is a truly dedicated, unpretentious teacher…He believes in children and in their future.” Students (Michele Royce, Craig Robbins, and Thomas Healy): “He is truly dedicated to his students, and he is always available when his assistance is needed.” Lahser High School Principal (Maralynn Keil): “Remarkable ability to communicate with students, instructional leadership accomplishments, and the ability to challenge the students higher level thinking skills all combine to describe Mr. Dennis B. Travis as an exemplary high school science teacher.” Teaching Colleague (Robert Kefgen): “As a department chairperson, his style of leadership is one of facilitator and guide…we tend to think of Mr. Travis as humanist—a person who cares about his peers, as well as his students. He is sensitive to others feelings and goes out of his way to make others feel comfortable and wanted in the department.” Dennis earned his B.S., summa cum laude, in biology from Adrian College. From the University of Michigan, he earned both his M.S. in biology and Ed.D. in science curriculum.

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