Outstanding Teachers

Two alumni from UD’s School of Education were presented the President’s Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), recognizing them as outstanding teachers in Delaware.

John Scali received the award for as an outstanding high school science teacher and Kristin Gray was recognized as a top elementary math teacher.

Scali has taught integrated science at MOT Charter High School, in Middletown for the past two years. He spent the previous 15 years teaching chemistry and physical science at Concord High School in Wilmington. He is certified as a teacher of chemistry, grades 9-12. Committed to creating a student-centered classroom, Scali allows his students to explore science concepts and inspires them to advance towards scientific research. He integrates engineering and other real-life principles into his science lessons.

In addition to working with high school students, he mentors first and second year science teachers through UD’s Alternative Routes to Certification program.

A true Blue Hen, Scali earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry education from UD in 1999, a master’s degree in science curriculum and instruction in 2005, and a doctor of education degree in educational leadership in science curriculum in 2011.

Gray is a mathematics specialist at Richard A Shields Elementary School in Lewes. She received her undergraduate degree from UD in 1996, where she graduated with a B.S. in elementary teacher education with a concentration in mathematics.

In addition to her teaching duties, she has collaborated in projects with Illustrative Mathematics and the Teaching Channel (where she is a Laureate) to develop tasks and facilitate professional development with educators across the country helping them plan, implement, and reflect on teaching and learning through the innovative use of collaborative Learning Labs. She also blogs on the Math Twitter Blogosphere [#MTBoS],

To learn more about Scali’s award, see UDaily article.