A Hanover County Public Schools teacher has been named the top biology teacher in the greater mid-Atlantic region.
Patrick Henry High School biology teacher Alice Scheele was recently awarded the 2020 National Association of Biology Teachers’ Region II Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. The region for the award covers Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
“This award represents not just my teaching skills and abilities but also relationships with other teachers and the continuation of learning throughout my career,” Scheele said. “I have mentored and collaborated with tons of teachers in and around Hanover County Public Schools and learned as much from those teachers as they would say they have learned from me.”
She added: “I always share my resources and ideas and continue to improve my lessons and labs. This award reflects my love of teaching and exploring science.”
Scheele, who graduated from Hanover County Public Schools, has taught for 14 years in the county. She said her favorite part of teaching is making connections with students and having fun with them exploring new ideas.
The James Madison University and University of Richmond alumna was nominated for the award by a peer last year and is one of just 22 teachers across the country to receive it. “I am crazy passionate about biology and thoroughly enjoy continuing my learning and understanding the natural world,” she said. “If I can't be excited about biology, how can I expect students to get excited about my class?”
Scheele, who prides herself on allowing students to “do science” as much as possible, has also presented at the Virginia Science Teachers Conference and has completed 18 credits of the Masters of Biology program from Clemson University, among other things.
“There are so many qualities that make Ms. Scheele a special educator, but the one that stands out the most for me is that she is always looking for ways to make her learning engaging, meaningful, and fit the needs of her students,” said Patrick Henry High School Principal Chris Martinez. “Whether it is in her collaborative Biology class or her Reynolds ACA Biology class, her focus is on her students and providing them learning opportunities that engage them in critical and creative thinking.”
Scheele was also the 2019-20 Patrick Henry High School Teacher of the Year.