Jason Crean

La Grange, IL | 7-12, Science, 2009

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Shifting from students just "learning about" science to them actually "figuring out" science has shown me how empowered we can make students which, in turn, makes them science literate. This empowerment motivates me to continue my work in helping teachers make these shifts.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

Hearing from teachers both in the US and abroad who have implemented the science storyline curriculum I helped to lead has really shown me the impact on science education I have had. They share stories about how their students, particularly students who would have never had any interest in science, are more engaged and excelling like never before. This has truly inspired me to continue this work.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

I am currently leading science storyline design projects that will provide free curricular materials to teachers so they can more readily implement and make the shifts needed to help our students become more science literate and compete globally.

Biography

Jason Crean has been a high school biology educator for more than 25 years and has spent the last 15 years also teaching in the Department of Biological Sciences at Saint Xavier University, Chicago. Jason's enthusiasm for teaching biology goes far beyond the classroom, as he has been active in conservation education through his work with zoos and other informal education institutions. His leadership among colleagues has resulted in the Illinois Biology Storyline Curriculum, which has now been implemented by teachers across the US as well as in other countries. Jason works to integrate authentic data into every lesson possible as engaging students in real-world phenomena is key to student learning. Through Jason’s mantra of “figuring out over learning about,” students have countless opportunities to make sense of the natural world instead of just being told about science facts. Jason has also acted as consultant and has facilitated professional learning for thousands of teachers to date. Immersing teachers in this storyline work so they can experience it as students has been a successful endeavor and increased teacher understanding of implementing the Next Generation Science Standards. Jason has served as President of his state’s science teacher organizations as well as the organization for PAEMST science awardees. He also serves in leadership roles for other education organizations. Jason earned a B.S. in biology with a minor in secondary education, an M.A. in education, an M.S. in biology, and an Ed.D. in teacher leadership. He is a certified middle/high school teacher and provides professional development for K-12 and beyond.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate between NSF Director Subra Suresh and OSTP Director John P. Holdren
High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.