Supporting Excellent Science Teaching for Georgia

Hello!  I’m Steven King and what an honor it is to be your Middle School Representative.  I am a 1989 graduate of the University of Georgia (BSEd Middle Grades Education), a 2010 graduate of Piedmont University (MAT Early Childhood Education), and a 2012 graduate of Piedmont University (Ed.S Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Leadership).  Currently, I am a Grades 6-8 Gifted Science Teacher at Oglethorpe County Middle School in Crawford (near Athens), Georgia.  Prior to my initial retirement in 2020, I was an elementary STEAM teacher for final 14 years. I developed the program that became adopted in all of the elementary schools of the Clarke County School District where I taught as well as mentoring a number of elementary schools in the surrounding counties in the development of their STEAM programs.  Additional experience during my career included 5th grade and 6th grade science as well as 2 years of high-school Biology.  This year marks my completion of 35 years in the classroom. During my career, I have supervised countless student- and practicum teachers from the University of Georgia, Emmanuel College, and Piedmont University.  I previously served 2 1/2 terms on the GSTA Board as a district representative.  During my time as a teacher, I’ve written and received over $68,000 in grants for innovative hands-on science activities for my students.  Professional Honors that I am proud of is the 2008 Teacher of the Year, a 2014 Presidential Award of Excellence in Science Teaching, and a 2023 Disney 100 Teachers Awardee.  I have served on many district and state committees, presented district and state professional learning courses, and sponsored after-school Science Clubs for many years.  In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, beekeeping , swimming, hosting family and friends, and  cruising/traveling with my wife of 31 years and my son and daughter who both are college students.  My professional travels include Costa Rica, Ecuador, Holland, Tanzania, and Rwanda.  I am so proud to have the opportunity to represent Georgia science educators, and to serve as the Middle School Science Teacher Representative.