MSED Alumni Ivan Ochoa and Julio Mendez Recognized at National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) 2017 Conference

The National Science Teachers Association Awards and Recognitions Committee selected Illinois Tech alumnus Julio Mendez as a recipient of the 2017 Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award sponsored by Shell. The award is issued to showcase exemplary science teaching skills. He is one of five recipients this year. Mendez teaches 10th and 11th grade physics at Perspectives Charter School Joslin Campus, Chicago, IL. He recently received his master’s degree in science education from IIT and is continuing his graduate studies. As a Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award winner, Mendez will be given an all-expenses paid trip to attend the NSTA national conference and a cash award after completing research in spring 2018.

In addition, Mendez and Ivan Ochoa (M.S. SE ’16) also were appointed to the Association for Multicultural Science Education (AMSE) committee of NSTA for several classroom and external science projects designed for multicultural students. They will provide input on NSTA efforts to address challenges and opportunities to support multicultural educators

NSTA, founded in 1944, is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. http://www.nsta.org/conferences/national.aspx