Integrated Science, Mathematics, and Reflecting Teaching (iSMART) Alum Toni Worden has been named the Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT).  Worden who graduated with an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction (Science Education) currently teaches fourth grade math and science at Caddo Grove Elementary in Joshua ISD in Joshua, TX.  She also coordinates the Math Pentathlon teams, and serves as the district's science fair coordinator for Regional and State Fair.

Worden teaches math and science using the 5E Model. Through the 5E Model, students experience a lot of questioning and reflection time, hands-on activities, scaffold experimentation, argumentation, integration of technology, and constant discourse. “The students discuss and learn ideas and concepts from each other,” said Worden.  “It is amazing how much I learn from our discussions from the students.” 

Department of Curriculum & Instruction chair, Jennifer Chauvot, CUIN assistant professor, Sissy Wong, and CUIN associate professor, John Ramsey inspired Worden to look deeper into how she was teaching and to have the students go deeper in their learning.  They also taught her to incorporate discourse and to continue asking why.

“It prepared me through the research I conducted during my graduate program to look for more ideas and solutions to problems,” said Worden. “Through the research, readings, and discourse in class, I was able to participate and recreate the discourse in my classroom and with my colleagues.”

“We are so proud but not surprised that Toni has received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award from the Science Teachers Association of Texas,” said Chauvot.  As she demonstrated in the iSMART program, she is a stellar example of how teachers use research and reflective teaching to get excellent results in the classroom.”

iSMART is a 2-year program for science and math teachers who want the convenience of an online program, but don't want to give up the rigor of traditional coursework.  The program simulates a face-to-face classroom into an online environment through the use of digital and Web 2.0 technology thus changing the face of online learning. The focus is on the integration of science and mathematics while building in-depth content and pedagogical knowledge as well as leadership skills, all through reflective collaboration with online classmates.  During the program, participants can expect to work on analyzing and writing curriculum, examining theories of learning and models of science and mathematics integration, studying student’s thinking about math and science, studying equitable teaching practices, and will use video to reflect on their own teaching practice.