Siuslaw High School biology teacher honored for classroom skills

Oct. 14, 2022 — On Saturday, Oct. 8, science teachers from all over the state came to Redmond for the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Annual Conference on Science Education.

One of the most important functions of the OSTA is to recognize outstanding science educators across the state.

The OSTA Executive Board selects several individuals for statewide and regional awards each year. The awardees were selected by committee from individuals nominated by members of OSTA based on their ability to motivate student achievement and excitement in science.

This year, one of Florence’s educators was honored when Siuslaw biology teacher Alexis Wells was named Outstanding Classroom Teacher for Region 3, which includes Lane, Douglas, Coos and Curry counties.

Wells was nominated by a fellow science teacher, Amy Tregoning, who teaches at Siuslaw Middle School.

“She has been an amazing mentor to every new teacher that comes to the school, whether she is assigned to them or not,” explained Tregoning. “She collaborates with both the middle and high school science departments to make sure everyone has what they need to help students be successful. She is enthusiastic about what she teaches and tailors it to each one of her classes.”

Though Wells has worked for the district since 2005, she is still constantly looking for ways to improve her students’ learning experience.

“She is always looking for ways to engage students and make science meaningful through hands-on, real-life applications of science skills,” Tregoning said. “She is truly determined to help make science achievable for every student. She is the teacher that I aspire to become.”

For more information on the OSTA, go to oregonscience.org. For more information on Siuslaw School District, visit siuslaw.k12.or.us.