<bt>Twenty-nine years of teaching elementary science have been a rewarding experience for Bobbie Sierzant, who has recently been named Elementary Science Teacher of the year by the Virginia Association of Science Teachers.
"My philosophy of science education is that we need to inspire children to be forever curious about the world around them and their place in it," said Sierzant. "If we can accomplish this goal, their curiosity will lead them to answers and further questions."
Sierzant credits her enthusiasm for teaching for leading to her recognition as an outstanding science teacher.
Sierzant has taught all of her 29 years at Fairfax County Public Schools, and the past 16 have been at Ravensworth Elementary., where she is the lead science teacher and a regular provider of in service training for other teachers.
Sierzant employs hands-on methods of education to increase the interest of her students. She encourages them to make new discoveries on their own.
"I believe if we whet their appetites with a bit of background information, use manipulatives for experimentation and understanding, gather data, discuss their findings, and then formulate new questions based upon those findings, they will forever try to quench their thirsts with knowledge," she said.
Ray Rolf, principal at Ravensworth, is a strong supporter of Sierzant's efforts in the school. According to Rolf, Sierzant is successful because of her commitment to every student, regardless of his or her ability.
"She is a constant teacher committed to kids' success by engaging them in science," said Rolf.
Sierzant's responsibilities at Ravensworth go far beyond teaching. As lead science teacher, she plans science events for the school as well as helps new teachers. She recently planned Family Science Night, which included 30 activity stations, a science contest and a night of enjoyable learning and experimenting for everyone involved. Over 80 parent volunteers and 300 students attended, and Sierzant has received multiple requests by children and parents alike for another Family Science Night.
AS FOR HER ROLE in helping new teachers, Sierzant said, "I advise them to be knowledgeable, well-planned, enthusiastic and ever-curious as an adult learner."
Sierzant also expects to be continually learning as she teaches. "As teachers, enthusiasm and a sense of wonder are crucial. Students respect teachers who are also learners. This journey of learning together encourages mutual respect and paves the road for future endeavors," she said.
In her college days, Sierzant did not originally plan to be a science teacher. She realized her love for science when all of her non- required electives ended up being in math and science. "I spent hours peering through a microscope and loved it!" she said. Sierzant earned a B.S. degree from James Madison University and a M.Ed. degree from the University of Virginia in social foundations of education.
"I was truly surprised to receive the Elementary Science Teacher of the Year award," said Sierzant. "Recognition by one's peers in the highest reward I can imagine. No one knows more than other educators do what is necessary to excel."