Outstanding Biology Teacher Award presented

The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) named Kathy Hoppe, a science resource teacher at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year from New York state.

Hoppe will receive her award and prizes at the NABT National Convention in Chicago November 12. She will receive supplies for her classroom, including a pair of precision binoculars and a microscope.

The deciding factor for selecting Hoppe was a videotaped lesson called Biodiversity and Relationships. "Kathy's lesson brought her over the edge during the very difficult selection process," said Joyce Valenti, award director for New York. "The lesson showed how she modified a Living Environment Regents lab to fit special education students. She is extremely student-centered and that shows in the different ways she uses to approach her lessons, set up labs and incorporate learning strategies."

While in Chicago for the conference, Hoppe will be part of a three-person team presenting about problem-based learning in genetics. Hoppe's presentation is based on her work on the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications grant through the University of Rochester.