Chris Gordon
District 2 Director
Nominee: Christopher Gordon
Biographical Information on Nominee
Christopher Gordon has dedicated his professional career to promoting learning opportunities that actively engage students in scientific discovery, critical thinking, and problem solving. He is recognized for promoting effective science instruction through the incorporation of classroom-assisting technology. Through his tireless advocacy for instructional technology, hundreds of teachers and learners throughout southeastern North Carolina have gained access to hands-on materials like telescopes, laptops, calculators, robots, and measuring instrumentation, as well as more innovative technologies such as the Starlab, solar telescope and Lego robots.
Chris holds a Masters of Teaching Science Degree from Michigan State University and currently serves as the Assistant Director of University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (CESTEM). In this role, Chris coordinates and manages a Technology Loan Program for the CESTEM where teachers can check out and use $200,000.00 in technology tools in their individual classrooms. He also
conducts a variety of STEM workshops, seminars and professional training for educators and coordinates Regional Science and Engineering Fairs, Science Olympiad contests, and SeaPerch Competitions.
Chris is a long-time member of the North Carolina Science Teacher Association and regularly presents at the organization’s yearly Professional Development Institutions.
Mission Statement
I advocate hands-on, technology-rich experiences for educators and students engaged in the teaching and learning of science. I believe that providing access to shared instructional tools and materials, from electronic resources to a Technology Loan Program enhances learning. The Center for Education in STEM embodies this idea and offers technology tools that teachers can check out and use in their classroom. As the District 2 Director I will be able to couple the goals of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association with initiatives sponsored by CESTEM. Serving as a liaison between these two agencies I will be able to connect and increase the number of classrooms and teachers with both NCSTA’s information regarding best practices and STEM-relevant technology.
My experiences with CESTEM have helped me establish well-developed relationships with many teachers and science leaders throughout the state. Additionally, my position equips me with the ability to facilitate the sharing of quality science resources and strong instructional strategies. Years of hosting professional development workshops, as well as STEM competitions, have not only helped me assist teachers in building professional relationships, but have provided me a clear understanding of teacher needs and concerns. It should also be noted that CESTEM hosts a yearly STEM conference that draws nearly 200 participants, vendors, and presenters. As coordinator of these conferences I have seen how teachers advance from participant to presenter, increasing their confidence and becoming leaders in their schools and districts. This is an important process that all teachers should be encouraged to partake. As the District 2 NCSTA Director I will work to keep area teachers informed of the opportunities for professional development available to them both through NCSTA and CESTEM. I will strive to build stronger cooperation among educators, enhance classroom practice, and promote sound science teaching. I will be an advocate for area teachers, promoting an increased attendance for District 2 teachers at the NCSTA PDI and encouraging more area teachers to present at state and national conferences.
