About the Author

Jeff Edwards » is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Naturalist. Mr. Edwards has been a high school science teacher with the Surry County Schools system since 1998. In 2006 Mr. Edwards became one of the founding faculty members of Surry Early College High School of Design, a part of North Carolina’s Learn and Earn initiative. At the Early College Mr. Edwards serves as science department chair and as lead teacher for his school. Mr. Edwards mentors future teachers and provides staff development for members of his local LEA. Mr. Edwards has also presented at the state science leadership conference and has written test items for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Mr. Edwards is currently attending graduate school through High Point University.

Mentor Information

Dr. Sara Olin Zimmerman ↓ is currently a professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate level classes for the Elementary Education Program and masters level classes for the Instructional Technology, Curriculum Specialist, and School Administration programs. She also teaches doctoral level classes for the Educational Leadership Program.

Zimmerman received her B.A. in psychology and human development, a B.S. in education, a M.A. in education, and Ph.D. in special education and administration from the University of Kansas. She began her career as a public school teacher in both regular and special education classrooms. Her current research interests include effective use of instructional strategies and diverse learners, international education and curriculum development in developing countries, effective use of technology with ELL students, cognitive tasks and virtual worlds, and children's perceptions of science.