I view PAEMST, our nation’s highest science teaching award, as a personal affirmation and as a broad honor. The affirmation validates a long career of hard work, vital learning, and efforts to improve my teaching. PAEMST also honors many remarkable colleagues, mentors, and children, including my wise spouse and daughters, who assisted me along the way. Finally, PAEMST celebrates my determination to provide strategic, hands-on, caring instruction for all kinds of students who could and did learn.

Geoffrey Selling Philadelphia, PA | K-6, Science, 2014

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

Geoffrey Selling began his science teaching at the School in Rose Valley. Later, he joined Germantown Friends School, teaching third through fifth grade and serving as a kindergarten through fifth grade science teacher. In 2014, Geoffrey retired from school teaching after 42 years and began his post-professional "career" volunteering at nature centers and watershed programs. Teaching science was Geoffrey’s profession and it is still his passion. Geoffrey specialized in developing hands-on programs. His goal was to teach science and develop a passion for inquiry and stewardship in students. Geoffrey extended units with field trips and outdoor work.  Geoffrey founded his school’s award-winning Environmental Action Club. These fifth graders created gardens and a pond, planted trees, and "greened" the campus by recycling and composting. For 18 years, Geoffrey led the Network of Elementary Science Teachers, a group of science educators who met regularly to share curriculum and teaching methods. Geoffrey’s many articles about science education were published in "Studies in Education." Geoffrey’s science awards included the Elizabeth Hull Award for Environmental Education and the Teacher of the Year award from the Educational Leadership Forum. Geoffrey graduated with a B.A. from Swarthmore College and a M.Ed. in elementary education from West Chester University.

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