Carla Shortino Chicago, IL | K-6, Science, 2020

The official biography below was current at the time of the award. For this awardee's latest biographical information, see their profile page.

Carla Shortino began her professional career nearly 30 years ago teaching fourth grade in the Chicago Public Schools. She has taught science to students ranging from preschool to eighth grade. In 2008, Carla was recruited to become a science instructional coach. For seven years she supported teachers as they worked to improve their craft and enhance their science teaching practice. She led efforts throughout Chicago and Illinois to embrace the NGSS by developing and leading professional development. Carla is currently the first to fourth grade science teacher at Catherine Cook School. Carla uses her expertise and experience to provide students with the highest quality science education steeped in rich, authentic learning experiences that engage students in the practices of scientists and engineers. She brings a broad and global perspective to her work, having lived and taught in Mexico. She values all students and fosters a classroom that celebrates differences in culture, learning styles, and interests. Carla’s fourth grade students culminate their lower school science experience by designing and conducting their own experiments. She provides an opportunity for passionate students by leading a group that challenges the school to make changes to support the environment. Carla co-authored the publication “Implementing the Next Generation Science Standards: Hallmarks of a Fully Realized School System”. Carla has a B.S. in elementary education from Loyola University; an M.A. in inner city studies education from Northeastern Illinois University; and an M.S. in science education from DePaul University. She is certified in kindergarten through ninth grade elementary education, endorsed to teach science, social science, and language arts.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee with Dr. Quincy Brown, Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Dr. Sylvia Butterfield, Acting Assistant Director at the Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) within the National Science Foundation (NSF)
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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