The National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT), in conjunction with Carolina Biological Supply Company, is pleased to present Don Pinkerton with the 2017 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. This honor, given annually since 1961, identifies a teacher from each of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, other U.S. Territories and Canada who have made invaluable contributions to the profession and have enhanced the learning of biology. Criteria for the award include teaching ability, experience, innovation, initiative, positive student-teacher interactions and cooperativeness in the school and community.
Don is a biology and biotechnology teacher at Revere High School. Â Don graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1982 with a degree in plant and soil science. Â He worked at the Bank of America and Fidelity Investments before his teaching career. Â Since 2010, Don has been teaching in Revere.
Don is a leader in the science-education community and embodies the spirit of a life-long learner.  He is a board member in the Massachusetts Marine Educators Association and helps run conferences and workshops for teachers and students.  He volunteers for the New England Aquarium’s Standing Response Team to help rescue and rehabilitate stranded animals.  In 2014 the North Shore Science Supervisors Association gave Don their Exemplary Science Teacher Award.
In 2012, Don initiated a biotechnology elective that continues to grow in popularity. Â An engaged student himself, Don has taken genetics classes through Harvard Extension, workshops at at MIT and Harvard in biotechnology, and completed a rigorous training in molecular biology at New England BioLabs.
A strong advocate for English Language Learners (ELLs), Don received certification to help students from other countries thrive in the classroom as they learn English in a science setting.  Don is energized and inspired by the diversity and background of his students.  He enjoys the challenge of helping his students find their “inner scientist†and create meaningful learning experiences for all of them.
Don will receive a certificate recognizing his achievements at the National Association of Biology Teachers conference in St. Louis, MO., and at the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers Conference in November.  The National Association of Biology Teachers and the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Committee are extremely proud to recognize the contributions made by Don. “Such accomplishments and awards should make not only Don’s school district but the entire state/province/country, etc. proud. He is a priceless member of the education community,†MA OBTA Director, Brian Dempsey, said.
For more information contact:
Brian Dempsey
OBTA Director, MA
