EIU Media Relations

Sherwood, an EIU Alumna, to Receive Sigma Xi Teaching Award

Charleston Middle School life science teacher Kim Sherwood will be honored for her teaching excellence with an award from the Eastern Illinois University chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society.

Sigma Xi's Excellence in High School and Middle School Science and Mathematics Teaching Award goes to high school or middle school science or mathematics teachers who demonstrate excellence in teaching, actively involve students in critical thinking and problem-solving, actively involve students in the learning process, and teach an appreciation for science and mathematics.

As a middle school life science teacher at Charleston Middle School since 2001, Sherwood has promoted inquiry learning and critical thinking in her classroom. Her problem-solving mystery lessons were highlighted in the Mattoon Journal Gazette/Charleston Times-Courier this past fall.

Sherwood received her bachelor's degree in biological science, teacher's certification and master’s degree in educational administration, all from EIU. She and her family reside in Charleston.

Sherwood is to be presented with the 2011 award plaque and stipend during a short Sigma Xi EIU chapter meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 7, in the University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union. The public is welcome.

The evening will conclude with a lecture, “In Silico Experiments Provide Insight into Cancer Progression Mechanisms (P,G,S),” by Dr. Alissa Weaver, an associate professor of cancer biology and pathology at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.