Rosemary Nunnally

Each year the President of the U.S. recognizes outstanding K-12 science and math teachers throughout the country. One math and one science educator is chosen from each state who exemplifies deep content knowledge combined with the ability to motivate students in science and math.

Rosemary Nunnally’s students love her life cycle unit because they get to bring monarch caterpillars to class which will emerge as butterflies. “Afterward, we tag the butterflies, release them, and follow their migration using Journey North on the Internet,” she explained. Nunnally described her teaching style as eclectic and said that she does whatever it takes to make sure that all of her students are successful learners.

To be comfortable learning, I make sure that every student feels valued and that their ideas, questions, and comments are important. Also, when we try new things, I emphasize that we are just beginning and that they should not feel pressured to understand or be able to do all tasks immediately. It is important for the students to keep trying and to know that they are supported in their attempts. I often talk about Thomas Edison and his many, many attempts to invent a light bulb that would work. He did not give up on his first try and neither should they!