North Cross School science teacher, Anthony Curtis is considered one of Virginia’s top educators. On June 10 he will gather with other teachers to Alexandria to compete for cash for himself and for his school.

Covanta Energy Corporation and the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL) created this statewide contest. The contest will be held at the South Fairfax County Conference Center and Covanta Energy Fairfax.

The contest is open to all educators, grades K-12. The challenge is designed to encourage the development of hands-on science programs that teach children about energy and the environment. The educators submitted energy-related lesson plans they used in the classroom to enter the contest. Energy-related entries included everything form physics, biology, ecology, and more.

Anthony Curtis from North Cross School (VAIS) is one of the 18 finalists.

Other finalists include, Timothy Couillard from James River HS (Chesterfield County), Rebecca Deeley from Hampton Roads Academy (VAIS), Melissa Dion-Chifokoyo from Bayside MS (Virginia Beach), Kathie Driscoll from Nature Zone (Lynchburg), Clara Jo Elder from Appomattox County HS (Appomattox County), Amanda Fawcett from Holy Trinity School, Rebecca Gaulding from Amelia MS (Amelia County), Dean Goodwin from Christchurch School (VAIS), Maria Granada from Bluestone MS (Mecklenburg County), Whitney Hixenbaugh from Middlesex ES (Middlesex County), Mindy Kline from Cougar ES (Manassas Park), Maria Mitchell from Moody MS (Henrico County), Corrina Orr from Eagle Ridge MS (Loudoun County), Denise Padrick from Plaza MS (Virginia Beach), Donna Ralph from Narrows ES (Giles County), Tammy Schwab from Cub Run RECenter (Fairfax County), and Anna Swenty from Narrows HS (Giles County).

On Tuesday, June 10, Curtis will compete with the other teachers in team-based challenges designed to test their ingenuity at creating hands-on science activities.

“Energy conservation is one of the most important issues of our time. Covanta is proud to sponsor an event that spotlights the people who will shape the minds of those today, who will then solve the problems of tomorrow,” states Scott Drew, Covanta Fairfax Facility Manager.

Other similar competitions are being sponsored in Essex County, New Jersey, and Long Island, New York.

The first competition of its kind, the Covanta Teacher Challenge is an opportunity to recognize teachers for their contribution to excellence in the classrooms, and to help create the science literate workforce of tomorrow. The finalists’ entries to the competition will be compiled into a book called “Energy A to Z: A Teachers’ Handbook of Energy Lessons” that will be posted on CSTL’s website and made available to educators everywhere.

Our last post about North Cross School was May 16.