Joanne Goelzer Northwood, NH | 7-12, Science, 2023

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

Joanne Goelzer began her career in 1989 at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy where she continues teaching 35 years later. Teaching Core Science, Introduction to Physical Science, and Freshman Science Honors, Joanne incorporates topics in the Earth and space sciences, chemistry, and physics. Her curricula are designed to connect concepts common to these three science disciplines. A supporter of authentic and hands-on science experiences, she received a 2019 Toshiba America STEM grant to monitor tree pulses and has had her application and proposal to receive an Artemis I Moon Tree accepted by NASA. Joanne’s students collaborated with forest researchers in piloting climate change curriculum during the 2023-2024 school year. She is a VEX robotics coach and plans the classroom incorporation of XRP robotics. Currently collaborating with a reading workshop class, she and her Core Science students are developing investigations based on science passages in the reading workshop’s current book. Serving in leadership roles, such as the President of the New Hampshire Science Teachers’ Association, various state committees, and as a science assessment panelist and facilitator, Joanne has worked with science educators from across the nation. She has worked with forest researchers in New Hampshire and the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind to develop methods and lessons making climate change data accessible to the visually impaired. Currently, Joanne collaborates with a state initiative connecting science educators with English language educators to better serve the needs of English language learners. Joanne earned her B.A. in Earth science education and M.Ed. in educational studies from the University of New Hampshire. She holds a certification in Earth science education.

• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

Know a great teacher like Joanne Goelzer? Nominate them for PAEMST!