Darleen Horton

Louisville, KY | K-6, Science, 2004

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

The primary factor that motivates me to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching is that it levels the playing field for learners. Fostering curiosity, at any age, providing opportunities and vehicles to develop scientific questions then turning those questions into investigations can jump start real life learning. Guiding learners to utilize CURRENT resources and critical thinking skills to develop action plans and solve problems is key.

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

Experiencing the excitement and success of students who successfully complete a project after engaging in hands-on, inquiry-based learning and utilizing critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and collaboration let me know I was on the right track. As students apply scientific and mathematical principles, as well an integrating technology while designing and creating a solution to a real problem or issue, I know I am setting them up for success. One such project was with 5th graders designing water purification systems. Their innovative solutions impressed local business leaders who then invested in our projects with money and technical assistance.

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

Having Presidential Awardee on my resume has lent credibility to professional development sessions, workshops and even a book collaboration. Obviously, it has been important to follow through with the absolute best STEM education formats possible. A significant goal of mine is to mentor and encourage other educators. Gaining insight and information from other educators is key. Promoting learning through STEM is one of the best hopes our country has for its future.

Biography

B. Darleen Horton, Elementary Science and Environmental Ed Consultant: an experienced educator who fosters real-world connections through teaching, guiding, inspiring and challenging students. Teaching experiences range from kindergarten to adult learners and educators in addition to: *Designing and building world class, standards based Outdoor Classrooms with an emphasis on STEM; Creating standards based curriculum in environmental literacy and environmental education to be embedded into current curriculum for all grade levels; Building partnerships with local business and industry; Working with environmental and educational leaders in the local district, community, state and nation to develop curriculum; Creating and presenting professional development with emphasis on STEM for local, state and national educators; Mentoring of pre-service teachers; grant writing and teacher development. *Educational Background in Elementary Science and Environmental Science *Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence; Aegon Teacher Award; Ashland Inc. Teacher Award; Trailblazing Teacher Award; National Green School Award Author; STEM Presenter for ITEEA; KDE author and presenter of videos "Think Garden", "Raindrops to Rivers", "Inquiry Learning, Methods of Instruction", "Utilizing Outdoor Classrooms Across the Curriculum" *Author of Lessons for Ready Set Grow, A Kentucky Educator's Guide to School Gardens and Hands-On STEAM Learning *Science Instructor for Alternative Certification in Elementary and Secondary Program *STEM/Education Presenter for KSTA and NSTA *STEAM Presenter for Kentucky AG in the Classroom

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