Contributors

Helping to Create the Science Resources K-6 Educators Need

Nobody knows the challenges teachers face like other educators. Learning A-Z regularly enlists the expertise of current classroom educators as we make publishing decisions that will affect our products and resources. The Science A-Z Advisory Board consists of teachers and administrators with deep knowledge and significant experience in science education.

Advisory Board

Wayne Fisher

• Bachelor of Science, United States Coast Guard Academy
• Master of Science in Physics, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA
• Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA
• Elementary Science Specialist, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte, NC 2007-present
• Past-President, North Carolina Science Leadership Association 2016-2017
• North Carolina Outstanding Administrator Award in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education 2016
• Chair of American Association of Physics Teachers - High School Committee 2005-2007
• National Board Certified Teacher, AYA Science
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, 2001
• High School Physics Teacher 1996-2007

Denise Flavin

• Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Minor in Biology
• Curriculum Director (2014-Current)
• Assistant Principal (2013-2014)
• Chairperson, Next Generation Science Committee
• Junior High School Science Teacher (2004-2013)
• Member, Science Curriculum Mapping Team (2005-2007, 2008-2012)
• Judge, Underwriters Laboratories Educational Innovation Awards 2015
• Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, National Science Teachers Association, National Association for Gifted Children, International Literacy Association
• Member, Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education and Beta Beta Beta, International Honor Society in Biology

Jeff Friers

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Economics
• Master of Education in Multicultural Education
• Peace Corps Graduate Fellowship in Education focusing on interdisciplinary curriculum development, Northern Arizona University, White Mountain Apache Reservation
• U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer and Trainer, Central America
• National Park Service Resource Education Division (Glacier NP, Everglades NP, Biscayne Bay NP, & Olympic NP) (20 years)
• Literacy Coach
• STEM Science Specialist
• Future Ready Integrated Curriculum Specialist
• 25 years teaching experience in elementary, middle school science, and experimental education

Karen L. Ostlund, PhD

• Bachelor of Science, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy in Education, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• Instructor, UTeach Primary Science Program, College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin (2013-present)
• Specialist, University of California at Berkeley (1998-present)
• NSTA Past President (2011-2014)
• Director, UTeach Dell Center for New Teacher Success, College of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin (2002-2006)
• Professor and Director, Center for Science Education, University of Texas at Arlington (2000-2001)
• Program Integrator, Texas Rural Systemic Initiative, West Texas A&M University, (1999-2000)
• Visiting Scholar, Science Education Center, University of Texas at Austin (1997-2000)
• Professor, Texas State University (1985-1997)
• Middle School Teacher, Moundsville School District 621, St. Paul, Minnesota (1971–1984)

Science Consultants

Dr. Charles R. Barman

• Professor Emeritus of Science and Environmental Education, Indiana University School of Education
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Master of Science in Teaching in Biology, and Doctor of Education, Science Education
• Author and co-author of numerous journal articles, book chapters, and books related to science and science education
• Presenter of numerous papers and workshops at professional science education meetings
• Recipient of several awards including the Indiana Distinguished Teacher Educator Award, the National Science Teachers Association Distinguished Teaching Award, and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Served as a science education consultant to several state, national, and international organizations
• Served as a peer reviewer of several professional journals, including American Biology Teacher, Science and Children, and the International Journal of Science Education

Natalie S. Barman

• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in science from University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Master of Science in Teaching in Science Education from University of Wisconsin, Superior
• Elementary School Teacher with a specialization in math and science
• Elementary School Science Coordinator, K-5
• Clinical Instructor for Science Education, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
• Science Coach for science teachers in elementary and middle school
• Co-author of journal articles and contributor to books on science and science education
• Presenter of papers and workshops at professional science education meetings
• Consultant in international science education improvement projects in Macedonia, Thailand, and Vietnam

Rick Crosslin

• Master of Science Education, Indiana University
• Scientist in Residence & Science Coach MSD Wayne Township (2012-Present)
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Liaison for Science Learning (2002-2012)
• Elementary Teacher MSD Wayne Township (1976-1981, 1983-2002)
• Science Safari Camp Director MSD Wayne Township (1981-Present)
• Indiana Expeditions WFYI PBS Host & Executive Director, 5 Emmy Awards (2009-Present)
• NSTA & Hoosier Association of Indiana Past President, Member (1977-Present)
• Academy of Model Aeronautics Education Outreach Appreciation Award, 2011
• Interstate Mining Compact Commission National Mineral Educator, 2008
• Christa McAuliffe Fellow, 2001
• Milken National Educator Award, 1998
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, 1990

Scott Hoff

• Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Akron, Ohio, 1990)
• Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Dayton, Ohio, 2002
• Teacher, Bluffton High School, Ohio, Biology/Anatomy (2009-present)
• Curriculum Coordinator, Putnam County, Ohio, Educational Service Center (2002-2009)
• Educator for 25 years, Sciences Grades K–12
• Adjunct Professor of Education, Bluffton University & Ohio Northern University (1999-present)
• Teacher-in-Residence, Science Enhancement for Science Advancement, Husky Refineries (2000)
• Ohio Academy of Science, Jr. Academy Board of Directors
• Environmental Education Council of Ohio, Regional Director
• Co-Founder/Teacher of Ocean Focus, Award-winning H.S. Marine Science Program (1991-present)
• Volunteer EMT for the Village of Bluffton, Ohio

Science A-Z Authors

Science A-Z Illustrators