2000 NCSTA Award Winners

Outstanding Student Teacher - High School The Nance Wynne Award

Shawna Hester, UNC Chapel Hill

Shawna Hester left the chemical industry when she decided she wanted to work with students. From a lateral entry teaching position, she started on an MAT program at UNC-CH. While doing her internship, Shawna worked at the Center for Math & Science Education. In her chemistry classes she daily used interactive demonstrations, labs, projects and activities that allowed her students to experience science. Noticing that several students didn't have the skills needed to apply to college, she developed a notebook of information which she shared with several senior homerooms. Shawna took pride in the students as they received their acceptances to college, often for the first time for their families. With this insight and caring, Shawna will be a welcome teacher and friend to many students who need her.