CORVALLIS - Four Oregon high school teachers have been honored by the Department of Science and Mathematics Education at Oregon State University for excellence in teaching and development of preservice teachers.

The award recipients, all of whom received a plaque and $250, include: Jeff Mitchell, Philomath High School, for excellence as a science teacher mentor; Joanne Alford, West Albany High School, for excellence as a mathematics teacher mentor; Pat Canan, Corvallis High School, for excellence in science teaching; and the late Ron Nicholson, Alsea High School, recognized for excellence in mathematics teaching in a distinguished teaching career prior to his death last February.

Nicholson was a former president of the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics, frequent presenter in OSU teacher education courses, and leader of mathematics reform in Oregon. His award will be given to the Ron Nicholson Memorial Scholarship Fund at Alsea schools.

Canan, a teacher of physics, developed an integrated mathematics and physics course at Corvallis High School and did extensive professional work across the nation in physics teaching.

Mitchell is an innovative biology teacher at Philomath High School who developed extensive projects-based programs in which students do actual scientific investigations that serve the community on such topics as wetland restoration and water quality.

Alford has had significant input into the design and evaluation of the master of arts in teaching degree program, and supervised students in that program each year.

Source: 

Norm Lederman, 541-737-1819

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