Science champion advances science education

Mary McClellan, who instructs and mentors University of Washington Tacoma secondary science education students, received one of five Washington State Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) awards. McClellan will be honored at a luncheon for LASER science champions May 10.

Sponsored by Boeing, the annual LASER awards go to five individuals or organizations that exhibit outstanding advocacy for science education in Washington.

McClellan is nationally certified in adolescent and young adult science and is active in developing the state educational standards for science. She described herself as “a fierce advocate” who never stops selling science education.

In a written statement, she explained her vision for science education in Washington: “A highly relevant and accessible science education for all students, in each pre-K-20 classroom, each day, that provides them the opportunity to explore, inquire, ask and answer their own questions and gain the critical knowledge and thinking skills they will need to survive and thrive throughout their lives.”

The prize for each of the winners is $5,000 to donate to a non-profit public education organization of their choice. McClellan’s donation will go to the Science Education Partnership at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

McClellan was director of science education for Washington and facilitated the development of the 2009 Washington State Science Learning Standards.

She has served 19 years on the Washington State Science Teachers Association Board of Directors. During her tenure on the board she has led and facilitated teacher educational opportunities in learning research, best practices in science education, science leadership and the development and implementation of a statewide strategic plan.

As a member of the National Science Teachers Association’s National Congress on Science Education, McClellan helped to develop suggestions for national legislative actions in the area of expansion of national science standards, future research agendas for science education and stands on environmental issues.

For 10 years McClellan has mentored K-12 students to expand their understanding of science. WBGH-TV filmed her teaching in the classroom as a training tool for science teachers.  McClellan also advised and assisted with the development of a high school biology textbook.

Two other individuals and two organizations were also named LASER science champions.

• Find out more about the LASER awards