Patricia Astler Castle Rock, CO | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Chantel Astler has been an elementary educator for 14 years and has spent the past 5 years as the science teacher at Flagstone Elementary in the Douglas County School District. She has also taught Science Methods for Elementary Teachers at Adams State College. Using inquiry, Chantel engages students by exploring real-world scientific questions and using science notebooks to develop their thinking around scientific topics. Having a passion for creating a Green School environment, Chantel has challenged students to find ways to reduce energy usage. As a result, student teams have reduced Flagstone’s energy usage by 20 percent and have earned a refund from the district. Chantel has shared her passion for science by creating a Family Science Night, participating in NASA’s Student Involvement Program, and acting as a Teacher Liaison for the Space Foundation. Chantel has presented at both district and national science conferences, helping teachers realize their potential in inquiry instruction. Chantel has a B.A. in psychology from Metropolitan State College and an M.A. in elementary education, with an emphasis in science, from the University of Colorado at Denver. She holds a master teacher certification in elementary education and has achieved National Board Certification in early adolescent science.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate between OSTP Associate Director for Science Carl Wieman and NSF Deputy Director Cora Marrett.
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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