Teacher of the Year (Middle/Junior High): Dr. Donald Selway

Meet Donald Selway

It is a huge honor to win this award. This award isn't just for me, it's a testament to the power of a second career.

Can you share the story behind your journey in this field?
I think the best story that comes to mind is just showing up everyday to help students be better. I remember this one student who brought a 32 oz glass jar of Tapatio hot sauce in his backpack. It broke in his bag and all his stuff was covered in hot sauce. I spent all lunch helping him wash his bag out and clean his stuff up. It was funny and fun.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you’d share with others?
I like teaching how facial recognition software was initially developed and the research done by Joy Buolamwimi as a way to promote why diversity is important in science.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in science education?
I did my dissertation research on this. The main difference between first career and second career teachers is that first career teachers tend to have better social networks and better support from their own parents. Creating support networks is important for early career teachers to help them handle the stress. The obvious learning classroom management, dealing well with administration, and listening to students is also important.

What’s next for you?
I got tenure at OUSD. I plan on finishing my career here doing what I am doing. I would also like to teach teachers at CSU San Marcos, and do research on equitable grading and early career teachers. There is virtually no research on how teacher’s parents can help them learn how to teach while there is a lot of research on student’s parents.

What excites you most about the future of science education?
I believe that the US is the top country for science education because we fund science research in colleges. I think careers in science will continue to grow, especially with AI.

What is your favorite book/podcast right now?
Throughline podcast is hands down the best podcast. The Alchemist read by Jeremy irons is the best audiobook.

What is the word that best describes you and why?
Empathetic, I was born with a severe speech impediment and this allows me to understand all my students. I have a very unique classroom where I make sure everyone is welcome and feels safe. I also do an equitable grading system where my assessments are more difficult, but students get multiple attempts to do well and learn. At the end of the day, my students learn