My students come from over 100 villages and leave their families, communities, and cultures to get an education at my school. We are their teachers, but we are also much more. In all that I do, I try to make the sacrifice they and their families have made worth it. I represent my family, the community that raised me, and my school community. This award is a symbol to my students and my children that if you do what you love and you love what you do, you can be successful and have fun doing it!

Chohla Moll Sitka, AK | 7-12, Science, 2019

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

Chohla Moll has been an educator for 17 years and has spent the last 15 years teaching science at Mt. Edgecubme High School. She previously taught for two years at Gustavus School. Chohla currently teaches 9th-10th grade Integrated Science 2 and 11th-12th grade Marine Biology and Field Research. Using her field research curriculum as a model, she created a place-based science curriculum framework for educators and others interested in doing place-based, authentic scientific research with youth. She presented the framework with students at the Alaska Forum on the Environment in 2017. She continues to share resources and lessons with educators across the state. Chohla creates authentic opportunities for her students to experience science. She worked to acquire and maintain a classroom set of wet suits that are utilized schoolwide for academics and recreation. Her students experience the ocean through direct immersion in the marine environment. She currently coordinates the applied science student internships, logistics for student participation in local scientific conferences, and science-related dual enrollment courses at the local university. She works with a variety of local and visiting partners to bring opportunities into the classroom, as well as opportunities for her students away from the classroom to experience the practical and messy world of science! In addition to her enthusiasm for science in the classroom, Chohla coaches the school’s National Ocean Sciences Bowl team that participates in regional and statewide competitions. Chohla earned a B.S. in general biology and a M.A. in teaching, both from the University of Alaska Southeast. She is certified in secondary education with an endorsement in biology and life science.

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