Garrett Teacher Named 2012 Outstanding Elementary School Science Teacher of Missouri

Scott Kratzer is a fifth grade teacher at in the (HSD).

He is one of the few in the that teaches young learners about science day in and day out.

The Science Teachers of Missouri (STOM) named Scott Kratzer the 2012 Outstanding Elementary School Science Teacher of Missouri.

“I am honored and humbled to have received this award, especially knowing how many outstanding teachers we have in this district who are very deserving of this award,” he said to Charles Bolinger, an HSD communications specialist.

Kratzer has taught for 13 years in HSD, 12 of those years at Garrett Elementary. He said his goal is to make science learning fun.

“I attempt to make science interesting to students by involving them in their own learning," he said. "For example, I encourage them to ask questions about the world around them and investigate the answers to their questions.

"I also work with students to help them identify how what they are learning during science relates to their own lives.”

Carrie Launius, the District’s learning facilitator and science coordinator, nominated Kratzer.

“He truly is one of the finest teachers of science in the district," she said. "Scott has a way of making science come alive for the students."

Kratzer said he knew he wanted to be a teacher when he was in elementary school.

“I was always interested in science, but hated the way it was taught when I was in school," he said. "Very little time was given for it and learning consisted of reading from a science textbook.

"This experience as a student influenced me to teach science and other subjects, with as much student interaction and active investigation as possible.”

Kratzer is a lead teacher in the Grand Teton Adventure trip middle school students take each year. He helps plan and run the camp, and is also involved in the Science Literacy – Science Learning training.

As an award winner, STOM will pay Kratzer’s registration to the 2012 STOM Fall Conference, which will take place at the University of Missouri-St. Louis on October 5 and 6.