South Fayette educator honored as Pennsylvania's top biology teacher

“Very excited, very honored, and a little humbled” is how South Fayette High School biology teacher Jeff McGowan described his feelings after learning he was named the 2017 Pennsylvania Outstanding Biology Teacher.

The award, presented by the National Association of Biology Teachers, focuses on those educators who are exemplary in their field — inventiveness, ability, strengths, experience, cooperation and initiative.

“I was shocked that someone had thought of me and nominated me,” McGowan said.

McGowan has been teaching biology at South Fayette since 2003. He was contacted by Mark Krotec, state director for the association's award, and had to complete an application discussing his experience, background, qualifications, a sample lesson plan and professional development.

Additionally, he had to share his teaching philosophy.

Krotec, who teaches at Central Catholic High School and is an educator with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative, coordinated the information, arranged an awards committee to judge the applicants and promoted educators.

“Jeff clearly demonstrated a commitment to active learning for his students, and his letters of recommendation spoke volumes about his enthusiasm for both learning and disseminating science,” Krotec said of what made McGowan stand out among other candidates. “He is a leader among his colleagues, demonstrated by his active participation in educational professional opportunities, including his role as an AP Biology consultant for the College Board.”

In addition to professional development, McGowan emphasizes the need for passion and excitement in teaching, describing himself as a “self-professed biology geek.”

For McGowan, helping students is most rewarding.

“The best part of the job is getting to work with students and help them understand themselves and the world — to see those light bulb moments and form those connections,” McGowan said. “You have to show your interest when presenting information, because they're going to pick up on whether or not it's genuine.”

McGowan works to create a hands-on environment for his students and enjoys when they come in after seeing something on the news or Facebook and are able to connect it to the classroom.

McGowan will receive his award plaque at the NABT 2017 National Convention in St. Louis in November. The ceremony includes an awards presentation and a luncheon, as well as McGowan's complimentary year membership to NABT and various gifts from science education companies.

“I'm as excited to attend the convention as I am to receive the award — again, science geek,” McGowan said. “It'll be a new experience for me.”

Rebecca L. Ferraro is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.