Focus on TUSD - November 2006

Wacks Named Science Teacher of the Year
By focusing on "real time science" and believing her students can learn anything she teaches, Secrist Middle School teacher Alexia Rogue Wacks earned the Science Teacher of the Year award from the Arizona Science Teachers Association.

Wacks uses a hands on approach to teach topics, such as weather systems, basic chemistry and science process skills. A bulletin board crammed with newspaper clippings demonstrates her focus on connecting science theories to the outside world.

"Every child is a natural born scientist," Wacks pointed out. "They'll respond if you respect them, show them you care and believe they can do anything. Then they'll learn anything."

Wacks' father, Dr. Morton Wacks, who was a nuclear physicist at the University of Arizona, introduced her to science. Her family lived in Denmark and Thailand as she grew up.

Wacks encourages females to join the science field through the Women in Science Education program. She also sponsors the Secrist Horticulture Club, serves as the National Junior Honor Society advisor, heads up the Science Department and is the Site Council facilitator. Principal Jim Christ said that Wacks shows initiative, effective organization and enthusiasm.

Wacks credited the administration, the Science Department and the Secrist "village community" with supporting her achievements.