The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) has selected John Winkelsas, Science Department Chair at Benton Middle School, as the recipient of the 2003 Middle School Educator Award.  Winkelsas will be honored at the annual VAST conference on November 14, 2003, in Portsmouth, VA.  VAST is a professional organization “dedicated to the nurturing and advancement of superior science education,” according to their web site, www.vast.org.  The organization recognizes quality science instruction through several award programs for educators in elementary, middle and high schools.

Winkelsas heads a department of nine science teachers at Benton Middle School.  As a teacher, his hands-on approach makes him a favorite of his eighth grade students, says a colleague.  “Without exception, his students declare science to be their ‘favorite class,’” says Benton science teacher Irene King in a letter nominating Winkelsas for the VAST award.  Winkelsas represents “the best that education has to offer young science students today,” King says. 

In addition to his responsibilities as a physical science teacher and department chair at Benton Middle School, Winkelsas has served as the science SOL consultant to the Westmoreland (VA) public schools and was a facilitator for Project Wet, Project Wild, and Project Learning Tree.  He also wrote and implemented a two-week summer environmental program for middle school students through the Northern Virginia Community College.  He has presented numerous workshops at state and national science and math conferences.