M.J. Tykoski to Receive the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching

Alexandria, VA - M.J. Tykoski, an eighth grade teacher at Cooper Junior High School in Wylie, Texas, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching. Tykoski earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Texas Earth Science Teachers Association, and is the recipient of numerous grants and awards. She was a finalist for last year’s award.

“Ms. Tykoski has proven - through her teaching and her professional engagement outside the classroom - to be a champion for science educators and a strong defender of Earth science curriculum,” said Allyson Anderson Book, Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute. “We are delighted to present her and her school with this award.”

The award will be given in April to Tykoski at the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA) Friends of Earth Science Reception during the National Science Teachers Association 2017 National Conference in Los Angeles. This year’s finalists were Troy J. Simpson of Glenn Raymond School in Watseka, Illinois, and Chad Pavlekovich of Salisbury Middle School in Salisbury, Maryland.

Given annually, AGI’s Edward C. Roy, Jr. Award recognizes one classroom teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade for leadership and innovation in Earth science education. The award is named in honor of Dr. Edward C. Roy, Jr., who was a strong and dedicated supporter of Earth science education.