Joyce has been teaching science for over 30 years. She currently teaches at Sunnyside High School and she a leader in her district and the state for active and engaged learning. Last year 99% of her honors Biology students passed the state’s End of Course exam. She is a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching and a previous Einstein Fellow with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Anyone who knows Joyce knows her mantra: “To learn science, students must do science.” Her classroom almost hums with activity – critters croak and bask in the sun and students are constantly working in groups to teach each other and ask higher level questions. As a young teacher, Joyce was inspired by a trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair. She just knew her rural students could compete at that level. Today this Sunnyside “dynasty” has sent students to the International Science Fair 28 of the last 33 years. Joyce now has the pleasure of teaching with one of the earliest attendees, colleague Teri Alvarez.
Colleagues describe Joyce as a life-long learner. Her commitment to a rich professional community has served as a model for others and has cemented her belief that great teachers are accountable to both their students and their disciplines. She is constantly on the move, adapting, and preparing for the future. She embraces the opportunities of mobile technology and social media while also teaching students balance. Her science club is busy grooming the next generation of Sunnyside scientists during weekend camps with Harry Potter and CSI themes.
“Joyce’s impact on students and other teachers is immeasurable,” says colleague Robin Driver. “I am only one of many who have been positively impacted by Joyce. Without a doubt I am the teacher I am today due to her generosity in her time, her advice as a mentor, her belief in and advocacy for authentic and inquiry learning, and her willingness to collaborate.”
