Margaret Nicholson Distinguished Service Award: Kirk Brown

Meet Kirk Brown

The California Association of Science Educators Margaret Nicholson Distinguished Service Award is such a special award because it comes from the professional organization that I have been engaged with my entire career. I feel so very proud to say that I am the grandson of two school custodians from Oklahoma. My parents met at the school that both of their dad’s helped clean and would often help them empty the trash after school. I hope that the millions of students in CA can benefit from my life’s work in STEM education. I am sure that the impact that my former students or colleagues will have on new discoveries that they make directly or by someone that they encourage, mentor, heal, save, or teach will echo across time. Thank you all so very much for this honor.

You played a vital role as a member of the NGSS Science Expert Panel and as a lead author for the Science Framework. Can you share your experiences in these roles and how your contributions have shaped science education standards and teaching practices?
I spent the first 25 years of my career teaching high school Biology and ROP Biotechnology at Tracy High School. In addition, I had the opportunity to work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as part of the early efforts working on the Human Genome Project and it was there that I experienced the impacts that collaborations between K-12 educators, scientists, engineers, and industry have on student and adults alike. Having forged collaborations and partnerships between my school district and industry partners, my students benefitted from the content, skills, equipment and expertise shared, the impacts are still felt by students across the decades. My participation as a member of the NGSS Expert Panel in collaboration with other stakeholders helped provide classroom examples for all stakeholders as we discussed the NGSS. In addition, once adopted by the State Board of Education, my role at the County Office of Education and as a Co-Director of the California Science Project, Delta Sierra Region, provided another opportunity to help provide an ongoing contribution to the production of a resource that would help all teachers with suggestions for implementing the NGSS for all students. The collaborations between these stakeholders in CA was inspiring and something I am very proud to have been part of. The work we have all been deeply engaged in is something that has forged life-long friendships and will help educators and children in CA for years to come.

Your leadership has had a significant impact on both students and educators. Can you provide an example of a mentoring experience that stands out to you and how it influenced the mentee’s career in science education?
It has been my pleasure to serve as a mentor over the years in numerous venues. I know that I have received as much as I have provided as a mentor. I have had the honor of helping those new to science education and have continued to connect with them over the years. After 25 years in the classroom, I moved to the SJCOE to be the Director of Science and Special Projects (Later STEM Programs) and when I did, three of my former students had become colleagues in the Science Department. Joell Russell is the Department Chair at Kimball HS in Tracy. Bret States is one of those that I have supported as his career has unfolded as an elementary educator, middle, HS, HS Dept/Leader, and SJCOE STEM Coordinator. His passion and outgoing spirit knows no bounds as he has also raised private funds and developed programs to recognize area STEM educators that inspire the next generation. Of the 3000 students that I had in those 25 years, I could probably tell you what 1 out of three were doing. The Teachers College of San Joaquin hosted a statewide workshop held by the experts from 3D Molecular Designs, the national experts in the production of models for science sensemaking. Two of my former students were there, one working as a MS science educator that supports students with IEPs and the other working as an AP Environmental Science and EL Science Instructor. And just yesterday, I saw a picture of Tara Happy, a former student receiving the Presidential Environmental Educator Award from the EPA as elementary educator from New Hampshire. I am most proud of all the students that I have had the honor of being their science teacher (including mine). They continue to inspire me daily and continue to reinforce that I have realized my purpose as a science educator.

You are noted for creating safe spaces where teachers and administrators feel empowered and open to change. What strategies did you use to foster such an environment, and why do you believe it is important for professional development?
One of the most important realizations that I experienced early on, is that by sharing my passion for the world around me and providing opportunities for students to see that they can learn/master/and do anything, gives them confidence to continue to take on new challenges as they grow and continue to learn, making connections to what they already know. I would support them and be in partnership with them along the way and help them realize that the skills they are learning and the concepts that they understand will enable them to explore their own questions. Having a teacher that cares about them and takes the time to ensure that they are doing well and feel that they belong to the community of learners is something that helps everyone engage. Having a growth mindset is important! If we care about those around us and help them realize that they can accomplish their goals, while continually growing, they will remember that just because it takes work or isn’t simple, they can do it. Helping our colleagues realize their goals and dreams is something that all teachers and administrators should hold as their highest aspirations. This type of support is something that students and colleagues reference decades later. Human Capital is the most important currency we have in the world.

With a career spanning over three decades, what do you consider your most significant achievement in science education and why?
I have had the pleasure of seeing former students become world leaders in STEM, curing diseases, seeing them on the news, running into them in hospitals, caring for people and children as they experience their greatest hours of need. I have seen them become science teachers at all grade levels, administrators, entrepreneurs, professors, doctors, lawyers, moms, dads, artists, musicians, builders, CEOs, accountants, pilots, soldiers, chefs, salesmen and saleswomen, directors, etc.…. and, most importantly, left with a better appreciation of science and are better equipped to be scientifically literate citizens. What I am most proud of is that I have been part of helping them find their purpose in life and know that they had a teacher who cares about them and that I am proud of them as they move through their lifespan. Connecting to others and helping people is when I feel that my purpose as a STEM educator in CA is happening…. and hopefully will not end…. This is something that should be passed from Teacher to Student, Parent to child, Grandparent to Grandchild. I am proud to say that I have supported the young people in San Joaquin County, helped my local, regional, state, national, and international STEM community and have done the same for my own children and grandchildren. I look forward to celebrating all their success for decades to come.