BENSON, N.C.⸺Janice West’s science classroom at West Johnston High School is a vibrant space filled with thriving plants and active animal tanks. Amid this lively setting, one piece of art stands out: a poster featuring an axolotl with the phrase “Science … Axolotl of Questions.”
Known as the “Peter Pan” of salamanders, the axolotl is a quirky creature with feathery gills and an ever-cheerful expression. According to West, the axolotl serves as the class mascot—a playful reminder to approach learning with curiosity and wonder.
“I strive to create an immersive learning environment that sparks imagination and encourages questioning. Occasionally we lose an animal, which leads to more questioning and prompts [students] to ponder the marvels of the natural world and the cycles of life.”
Janice West, Kenan Fellow
As an educator of 23 years and a 2023-24 Kenan Fellow, West brings a fresh approach to her subjects—Biology, Zoology and Earth and Environmental Sciences—at Johnston County Public Schools. Her commitment to education earned her the district’s Leading with the Heart Award, which recognizes staff who exemplify leadership and compassion.
Creating Immersive Learning Experiences
West’s approach goes beyond conventional teaching methods. She integrates current events throughout her science lessons and urges students to question assumptions and consider differing perspectives. West values classroom participation noting, “Open discussions let students voice their thoughts, share experiences and engage in respectful debates, which deepens their understanding and sparks their intellectual curiosity.”
Her students learn science through doing. She consistently provides authentic learning experiences from specimen dissections to lab experiments. So when West learned about the Shad in the Classroom Project through the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, she knew she wanted her students to participate. The project allows students to raise and release American shad, a migratory fish, into the Neuse River.
Using a clear polygon fish tank to observe the eggs’ development, her students conducted weekly water quality checks and learned about the fish’s natural habitat. At a release event in Smithfield, the students conducted additional water quality tests comparing conditions in the tank to the river.
For West, seeing students who are usually disengaged become excited about the outdoors was particularly fulfilling. She remarked, “Being involved in this project bridging classroom learning and hands-on conservation was incredibly rewarding. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm for releasing the shad fry into their natural habitat made all the preparation worthwhile.”
Expanding Horizons Through Professional Development
Supported by the Biogen Foundation, West’s Kenan fellowship included a summer externship at Biogen’s RTP campus. Her industry immersion, combined with the professional development she received through the fellowship, increased her understanding of biotech careers and allowed her to broaden her students’ awareness of career opportunities in their region. She also learned about the importance of soft skills like collaboration and has become more intentional about using classroom strategies to help students improve their teamwork skills.
“My fellowship project focused on developing teamwork and collaboration skills for middle and high school students across subject areas,” West stated. “To bring these essential skills into the classroom, I created a ‘flip chart’ table tool to facilitate activities that enhance students’ ability to interact, communicate, solve problems, and think critically in team settings.”
Bringing STEM Careers to Life
By incorporating team-building skills and hands-on projects into her teaching methods, West aims to show students the practical applications of science, helping them envision themselves in future STEM careers. She explains, “As an educator, one of the most rewarding moments is when you can help a student truly connect with the content in a way that inspires their future path.”
West has been fortunate to experience this firsthand. She recounts, “Before graduation, I went around the room and asked each student about their plans after high school. One student, who had taken my biology and zoology classes, said she wanted to become a biologist. She expressed her gratitude, saying, ‘Thank you, your classes inspired me.’ In that instant, I felt an immense sense of fulfillment and pride.”
“To know that the knowledge and passion I had imparted in those two classes had resonated so deeply with this student was incredibly impactful.”
Janice West, Kenan Fellow