Jill Black, associate professor of geography, geology and planning at Missouri State University was awarded the 2013 Science Teachers of Missouri Distinguished Service Award. This award, given by the Science Teachers of Missouri (STOM), recognizes teachers who have made a significant contribution to the field of science teaching.
Her interest in the field led her to teach, and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
“I have a lot of students who are studying to be elementary teachers, mostly women. I hope by getting them interested and involved they will pass this on to their students when they go on to teach in schools,” said Black, who has taught at Missouri State since 1998.
Awards such as these push teachers to help make advancements in the fields of science and teaching. With interest in the sciences dwindling, teachers hope to draw in students when they’re young.
“I hope that by getting my students to love science, they will convey that love to their students and we’ll get more girls and boys to become interested in the field,” said Black.
For more information, contact Black at (417) 836-5300 or ABlack@MissouriState.edu.