Carla Billups, a fifth grade teacher, at Jonathan Valley Elementary, will receive the Distinguished Service in Science Education – Elementary Award presented by the North Carolina Science Teachers Association (NCSTA). The award will be presented during the 2013 NSTA/NCSTA Area Conference in Charlotte, NC which will be held Thursday, November 7th during the NCSTA Session at 4:00 pm in Ballroom C of the Charlotte Westin Hotel. The awards ceremony is expected to begin at approximately 5:15 p.m. She will be recognized for her outstanding teaching excellence on Science!

Distinguished Service in Science Education in North Carolina Awards are presented to recognize excellence of contributions to science education in North Carolina. They recognize service to science education in the individual’s school, school system, NCSTA district and at the state level. Contributions in seven categories are recognized: 1.) elementary; 2.) middle/junior high; 3.) senior high; 4.) college/university; 5.) administrator/supervisor; 6.) non-school setting; 7.) commercial. The number of awards to be given each year will be determined by the Awards Selection Committee based on the qualifications of the nominees. The winners will receive a plaque and one year’s membership in NCSTA.

Criteria for this award:
The nominee exhibits leadership in science education beyond the local administrative unit or position; has contributed to improvements in science education beyond the local administrative unit or position; has been associated with science education for at least five (5) years and has worked in a position related to the category in which nominated for at least two (2) years; and has excelled in the aspects of science education relative to the category in which nominated.

Congratulations, Ms. Billups!