NR science teacher honored

• Jeff Albarado

Jeff Albarado

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Jeff Albarado, New Richmond High School biology and anatomy and physiology teacher, was awarded the Excellence in Science Education Award at the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers spring conference in Madison on March 9.

WSST recognizes science teachers annually for their achievements. The Excellence in Science Education Award is presented to foster excellence in science instruction and to recognize that excellence. The award is given annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of science education in Wisconsin. This would include elementary, middle, secondary or college teachers, and any other active supporters of science education.

Albarado has been teaching biology and anatomy and physiology for more than 22 years, with short stints in New Mexico and Dodgeland, Wis. before settling at New Richmond High School 19 years ago. In New Richmond, he has developed a program with the American Red Cross and his anatomy and physiology students to coordinate, run and serve as leaders for two blood drives a year. He has also organized scuba diving trips to the Grand Cayman Islands, is working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to develop a reintroduction/invasive species curriculum, and has established the high school as the main hub for the Monarch waystation, a place that provides the resources necessary for monarch butterflies to produce successive generations and sustain their migration.

Albarado helped fund and establish an on-site wetland and prairie outdoor laboratory during the construction of the new high school in New Richmond. These outdoor learning areas allow Albarado’s students to bring theory into practice, taking in-class information and applying those concepts outside like real scientists would. Albarado is also an active participant of WIShare, the region’s premier share group for western Wisconsin’s science teachers. On top of that, Albarado has had 12 student teachers — many of whom are budding young science teachers who are having a positive impact in their respective districts.

Albarado has received numerous grants such as the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB) grant, local grant money which then partnered him with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and a DNR grant for the school wetland.

Tags: new richmond schools, education