CMU professor named 2013 College Teacher of the Year

The Board of the Michigan Science Teachers Association has named Jim McDonald, Central Michigan University teacher education and professional development professor, as the 2013 College Teacher of the Year. McDonald, a science education professor who has spent 11 of his 25 years teaching at CMU, says receiving the award is humbling.

 

“I take pride in my teaching, and this is very validating for me, especially as a teacher educator,” McDonald said.

 

According to MSTA President Michael Sampson and Awards Chair Marlenn Maicki, McDonald was chosen for “using or modeling best practices, inspiring students, demonstrating innovative teaching strategies, being an excellent role model for students and other teachers, demonstrating leadership, and exhibiting a passion for science and for teaching.”

 

Much of McDonald's success with students lies in the partnerships he creates and nurtures with schools across Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Mecosta and Montcalm counties.

 

"I teach a methods course,” McDonald said. “Some universities have education students teach each other. My students teach real children.”

 

His students have multiple opportunities to prepare science lessons, deliver them to elementary classes, and reflect on them afterward. That kind of reflection will be important throughout their teaching careers, McDonald said.

 

"The partnerships we have with area schools make all the difference,” McDonald said. “Sure, it helps their young children engage and learn, but it also helps CMU students develop their skills in real settings."

 

“Teaching is what I take pride in,” McDonald said. “I am constantly looking for new ideas, new angles and ways to teach things in my classes. Since I teach future teachers, this award means a lot for my work.”

 

McDonald’s students provide family science events for students at area schools every semester. He is active in the National Science Teachers Association, the Michigan Science Teachers Association, the National Association for Research in Science Teaching and the Association for Science Teacher Education. He also founded and advises the CMU student chapter of the National Science Teachers Association since 2002.

 

McDonald will be honored March 8 at a special awards ceremony during the 2013 MSTA Conference in Ypsilanti.