Science education professor honored by national organization

College of Education science education professor has been honored by a national organization dedicated to the teaching of the subject.

Julie A Luft, the Athletic Association Professor of Mathematics and Science Education, will be honored later this month during the National Science Teacher Association's annual conference. She is one of three to be named NSTA Fellows, an award recognizing her 30 years advancing science education.

"A brief review of Julie's vita brings to mind the word 'superwoman,' as it is hard to imagine doing all that she has accomplished in her career," said Deborah Hanuscin, professor of science education and physics at the University of Missouri, through an NSTA statement. "However, Julie's leadership inspires leadership in others—because she makes difficult things look possible."

The NSTA Fellow award recognizes extraordinary contributions to science education through a personal commitment to education, specifically science; work that positions recipients as leaders in their field; and significant contributions to the profession that reflect dedication to NSTA and the larger educational community. Fellows are considered ambassadors for the advancement of science and science education for students, teachers and the community.

In acknowledging her achievements, Luft said many would not be possible without the support and collaboration of the many teachers, preservice teachers, faculty and students she works with every day.

"Throughout my career, collaborating with science teachers has been at the center of my work," she said, recalling her work to help implement science standards in classrooms and, later working with teachers in a graduate program to help enhance their students' educational environment. "My most recent work involves connecting graduate students with local classrooms. At the university, my collaborators are essential to my success."