St. Bernard Parish School District once again leads the state in science education. Alisha Capstick, a teacher at N.P. Trist Middle School and former St. Bernard’s Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year, was recently named as The Louisiana Science Teachers Association’s Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher of the Year at its annual conference.
Capstick was recognized for her exemplary science instruction and innovative curriculum design according to Gena Asevedo, science curriculum lead for the St. Bernard Parish School District.
“Science instruction in schools is quickly changing. Alisha has been a leader in the design and early adoption of our science curriculum in response to the new statewide science standards,” Asevado said. “She has not only had a great impact on the students she teaches but also on students throughout our district.”
Capstick, who teaches 8th grade science, also writes curriculum and leads professional development for the entire school district.
“Working at the district level gives me an opportunity to help more than the 180 students that I teach. I can affect change for students across the parish,” she said.
Capstick also advocated for the adoption of the 5E lesson plan where students engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate science material. After successfully piloting this method with her students, other teachers throughout the district will now be following the 5E format.
“My hope is the entire district will see a rise in student achievement and knowledge.”
Capstick said her engaging lessons have inspired former students to pursue science tracks at Chalmette High School.
“I have received letters from students and parents about how much my science class has changed them,” she said. “My heart soars when I hear students, especially girls, say how they hated science until they had my class and now they are actively seeking ways to take more science classes in high school.”
Superintendent Doris Voitier said the district has a long tradition of a strong STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.
“We are so proud of the achievements of our teachers,” she said. “It is because of teacher leaders like Alisha Capstick that our school district continues to lead the way in academic instruction.”
Voitier added that the school district has focused on STEM instruction for the last several years.
“The demand for high skill, high wage jobs in our region continues to increase. As a school district, we are committed to graduating students with a strong foundation in the sciences and teachers like Capstick help us ensure that our students receive the best instruction throughout their time with us.”
