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STEAMM'S AMANDA GILLESPIE RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
Congratulations to STEAMM Academy @ Hartford teacher Amanda Gillespie who recently was honored for Excellence in STEM teaching by the Ohio STEM Learning Network!
The Excellence in STEM Teaching Award recognizes a teacher who exemplifies integrated, STEM-infused teaching strategies and classroom innovation, and whose work has led to positive student learning outcomes. This awardee engages students in inquiry-based learning to develop creativity, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Gillespie is the 7th grade engineering teacher and was nominated by STEAMM counselor Diana Kiriakou with support from Principal David Thompson.
From the nomination:
If there was a word to describe Gillespie, it would be connector. She creates equitable learning communities in her classroom where students feel safe and like they belong. By doing this, the students are willing to share their thinking and ideas and develop meaningful relationships. She also connects her students to the real world. She works hard at finding opportunities for her students to partake in 21st century learning and experiences. For example, she recently connected a group of STEAMM girls with other girls from various middle schools and spent the day coding and talking to women professionals in STEM fields, discussing the importance of computer programming. Amanda also collaborates with the local hospital, Mercy Medical Center, providing an opportunity for students to participate in a program that connects classroom instruction to real life career pathways.
When she’s not teaching, Gillespie demonstrates her excellent communication skills by writing grants for her school and has generated more than half a million dollars for her students. The money from these grants provided needed hardware and professional development during the transition to a STEAM school.
Assistant Superintendent Dan Nero, Amanda Gillespie, and Principal David Thompson.