KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Evie LaFollette, Dobyns-Bennett High School biology teacher, has received the 2023 Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

 

This award recognizes six full-time K-12 teachers of science who successfully use innovation and excellence in their classroom. Those chosen are teachers who share Robert Yager's passion for education and continued professional development. The award also honors Robert Yager's effort to make excellent science education accessible to students of the 21st century and beyond.

 

"Evie's talents in the classroom are unrivaled," said Dr. Chris Hampton, Kingsport City Schools Superintendent. "I would credit most of her success to having a growth mindset, hard work, and a love for students. She intentionally builds relationships and finds opportunities to connect with students." 

 

"Mrs. LaFollette instills a passion for science in her students," said Dr. Brian Tate, Dobyns-Bennett High School Interim Principal. "She is an outstanding example of teacher leadership and is an asset to the faculty of Dobyns-Bennett. This award is much deserved and we applaud and celebrate this recognition with her."

 

"To be nominated and recognized for a national award such as the Robert E. Yager award is an incredible honor," said Evie LaFollette. "I am blessed to work with the best team of teachers who always motivate and inspire me to do more and make each day better than the last. This award is a reflection of the entire department, not just me. It is my goal that each of my students feel seen, accepted, and supported in my classroom. I try to inspire my students to approach science like an engineer, always looking for solutions and being creative in their problem solving approach."  

 

LaFollette has taught for 14 years; seven of those years at Dobyns-Bennett High School teaching biology, where she has been selected a Building-Level Teacher of the Year twice. Currently, she also teaches online psychology/AP psychology courses for the Niswonger Foundation for the past 10 years. LaFollette also teaches Synthetic Biology at ETSU to Governor's School students which provides college credit to gifted and talented high school students throughout Tennessee. She leads teacher workshops to train teachers across the state in how to implement Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering at high schools for all levels of students.  Additionally in April of 2022, she was a presenter of "Life Changing Science Education" at an international science conference, SynBioBeta, in Oakland, CA.    

 

LaFollette holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from East Tennessee State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Milligan University. 

 

Awardees received a plaque, $1,000 toward expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education and $1,000 for personal use. In addition, awardees were honored during a special evening celebration during NSTA’s National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 24. 

 

 For more information about the Robert E. Yager Exemplary Teaching Award, click here.  

 

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field. For more information, visit www.nsta.org.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with a total enrollment of over 7,900 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact. 

 

KCS has been ranked the "#1 Best Place to Teach in Tennessee" by the 2023 NICHE Best Schools Ranking and the City of Kingsport has been voted as the "Nicest Places in America" in the October 2022 Reader's Digest.

 

For more information visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or call the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (kcsdistrict), Instagram (kcs__district), Twitter (@kcs__district), LinkedIn (kcsdistrict), and check out our YouTube Channel (@kcs__district).