Karen Covil, a science teacher at Lincoln Northstar High School, is one of six recipients of the Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). The NSTA honored her for helping students with innovative science curriculum in her classes.
NSTA judges chose six winners based on their ability to cultivate learning and challenge students, display effective planning and presentation skills and demonstrate a deep knowledge of science as shown through publications and presentations. Recipients have also participated in professional growth activities across the United States with fellow science teachers.
Covil earned her undergraduate degree at UNL and says that her experiences there gave her a solid foundation for her future teaching career. She took a wide range of upper-level biology, chemistry, and physics courses to complete her horticulture degree and has integrated this knowledge in her classes.
She has been a science teacher at North Star since 2012 and has taught a variety of science subjects including biology, geoscience, physical science, chemistry and physics. She loves that her students ask challenging questions because it keeps her learning more about science for herself and her classes. She creates engaging lesson plans, gives space for students to offer their perspectives, and invites local professionals and scientists to visit her classroom.
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