February 12, 2014
Hazelwood Teacher Wins Award
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Principals, district administrators and representatives from Peabody Energy surrounded the Peabody Energy Leaders in Education Awardee, Chris Link (second from L), in his classroom at Hazelwood Central High School on the morning of Jan. 28.
Photo courtesy of the Hazelwood School District
Science teacher Chris Link was recently recognized for helping children achieve their full potential
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By Amanda Meyer On Tuesday, Jan. 28, in the middle of an afternoon physics lesson, principals, district administrators and representatives from Peabody Energy filed into Chris Link’s classroom to surprise and congratulate him for winning a Peabody Energy Leaders in Education Award. Link’s reaction was complete shock. He said, “It was done in an incredibly meaningful ceremony. They asked students to speak about why they liked me as a teacher—it was emotional and heartwarming.” Then he was given a $1,000 check. Link is currently working toward his Ph.D. in Science and Technology Education from the University of Missouri—St. Louis and said the money will be applied directly to his tuition. Link received a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Southern Illinois University—Carbondale. He then went on to get a master’s degree in Biology as well as a Graduate Certificate as a Science Education Specialist, both from Washington University in St. Louis. In 2011 Link was awarded the Loeb Prize for Excellence in Science and Math Education. He began teaching in the Hazelwood School District in 2008 as a Physical Science teacher at West Middle School. He has been teaching Biology and Physics at Hazelwood Central High School since 2012. As a member of the Hazelwood School
District community, Link has sponsored several student clubs, such as the Outdoor Club and has coached track and basketball. Additionally, he has been involved in planning and presenting professional development at his school, within the district, and at National Science Teacher Association Conferences. Link constantly researches and implements new instructional strategies in his classroom. He also tries to come up with creative new ways to use technology in his classroom to keep his students excited about learning. When asked what receiving this award meant for him and his students he responded, “For me, the award is an encouragement from Peabody Energy. They are telling me that they believe in me and want me to continue to pursue my goals of making education accessible and meaningful to all of our students. For my students, the award is reassurance that there are stakeholders, like Peabody Energy, who have vested interest in their life-long success.” Superintendent Dr. Grayling Tobias added, “We’re extremely proud of Chris and the exemplary work he does for our District and most importantly, our students. We are grateful that corporations like Peabody Energy are recognizing the importance of educators like Chris. It is partnerships like these that benefit students, schools and the community at
large.” The Peabody Leaders in Education Program honors education professionals from teachers and coaches to librarians and counselors to recognize those who help children achieve their true potential. The program rewards dedicated and compassionate education professionals with awards and recognition at an annual dinner. A committee of top educators and business leaders selects award See TEACHER WINS AWARD page 2
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