Kay Gamble, Ada High School Biology teacher, is the recipient of the 2008 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) for Oklahoma. The OBTA is given each year by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) to a life science teacher in each state who demonstrates exemplary practice in the teaching of life science. Kay is pictured with Oklahoma OBTA Director Bob Melton at the recent Awards Luncheon at NABT’s Staff Development Conference in Memphis where Kay and her fellow OBTA awardees from across the country were recognized.
Pearson, the OBTA program sponsor, gives each awardee a pair of precision binoculars. The recipients also receive a microscope through the generosity of Leica Microsystems, Inc. Award winners and their schools also receive certificates, as well as public and professional recognition. Recipients receive a year’s complimentary membership in NABT and NABT honors Outstanding Biology Teacher Award recipients at a special ceremony in conjunction with its national conference.
The OBTA is open to current biology/life science instructors (grades 7-12) with at least three years public, private, or parochial school teaching experience. A major portion of the nominee’s career must have been devoted to the teaching of biology/life science. NABT membership is not a requirement. Unsuccessful candidates may be renominated. OBTA winners are ineligible for 10 years after selection.
Candidates will complete a form summarizing their professional experience, academic background, and education philosophy and provide four recommendations from colleagues familiar with their teaching effectiveness. Classroom observations and/or videotapes are also important steps in the evaluation process.
Candidates for the OBTA can be nominated for the award by colleagues, administrators, students, the teacher/candidates themselves, or anyone competent to judge the candidate’s teaching effectiveness.
To participate or nominate someone for the OBTA, fill out the Nomination form for the award or request a form from the NABT office, 12030 Sunrise Valley Dr., #110, Reston, VA 20191. The deadline for nominations is February 1, 2009. You can also send the name and contact information of your nominee in an e-mail to Bob Melton, the Oklahoma OBTA Director or call NABT at (703) 264-9696/ (800) 406-0775 for information.