Erica Derryberry, a Bartlesville Mid-High School biology and physical sciences teacher, was recently named the 2006 Outstanding Biology Teacher for Oklahoma by the National Association of Biology Teachers.
Derryberry, who is in her sixth year of teaching science at the Mid-High, was recognized at an Honors Luncheon during the NABT's National Conference in Albuquerque , N.M. , on Oct. 13. Winners from all 50 states were recognized.
I never expected it, said Derryberry. I was completely honored to receive the award.
Erica Derryberry, center, a Bartlesville Mid-High biology and physical sciences teacher, displays her 2006 Outstanding Biology Teacher for Oklahoma award which was bestowed upon her by the National Association of Biology Teachers. Flanking Derryberry are Mid-High science teacher Colleen Bennett and Mid-High principal Jason Langham.
One award winner from each state is named annually. The candidates are judged on their teaching ability, teaching experience, innovation, initiative and cooperativeness in the school and community. Award winners receive a variety of lab equipment, such as microscopes, video flex camera systems and binoculars.
Colleen Bennett, a fellow science teacher at the Mid-High, picked up the plaque recognizing Derryberry's achievement on her behalf while attending a recent state teachers' conference. Derryberry is a former student of Bennett, who is in her 23 rd year of teaching and 14 th at the Mid-High.
While at the state conference, Bennett was recognized as a 2005 Secondary Science Awardee in the distinguished Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Bennett teaches honors chemistry as well as the traditional physical sciences.
It was a very prestigious award and we're very proud of her, said Mid-High principal Jason Langham of Bennett's achievement. She's an exceptional teacher.