Dr. Melissa Collins, a science teacher from John P. Freeman Optional School, has been named a 2021 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Award recipient.
Each year, Amazon recognizes 10 dynamic teachers for their work to inspire students from underserved and historically underrepresented communities to pursue careers in computer science and robotics.
The award winners are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within computer science education.
In today’s ever-changing and complex global world, students should be prepared to make sense of information and develop problem-solving skills. A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)-focused education can help develop these skills. A study by the U.S.Department of Education shows that only 55 percent of high schools with high Black and Latino enrollment as compared to 65 percent of all high schools offered advanced mathematics. As a nation, we must ensure that no matter where children live, they have access to quality learning environments to be able to compete in the global economy. A child's zip code should not curb their access to STEM literacy.
Teachers like Dr. Collins helps students from all backgrounds find an opportunity to discover passion and excel in STEM. STEM can help build the next generation of innovators — “Yet, we don't have many STEM professionals of color, and I know it's important for them to have role models to give them the confidence to pursue those careers,” explains Collins.
Dr. Collins, respectfully called an equity champion by her colleagues, serves as the elementary school's STEM coordinator. She founded and leads the school's STEM Club with a vision to introduce the students to coding. Learning to code is like learning a foreign language and is increasingly getting touted as an important second language that should be introduced to young students. She says, “I introduced my students to coding because I understand we live in a digital age and our children are our future.” The STEM club at John P. Freeman Optional School engages students in interactive coding activities and also arranges face time with various computer science professionals. The idea is to show young students the various career possibilities.
Collins is honored to receive this award and says, “The Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Award gives me hope for a better future for my students through believing in them and understanding that others, like Amazon, care about our kids, too. I was able to look into their faces and let them know they did it! Receiving this award meant the hard work and dedication that I have devoted to students paid off for them.”
As the award winner, Dr. Collins will receive a $5,000 award and $25,000 for J.P. Freeman to enhance and expand its STEM program — “I've never received an award that will benefit my students and school community in this way,” she says.“We have to work with our future generation so they can help change the narrative and become STEM professionals who help motivate and encourage other students.”
For more information on Amazon Future Engineer Awards, please visit amazonfutureengineer.com.