College of Education Faculty Mark Windschitl Awarded Iowa State Alumni Achievement Award
SEATTLE—Dr. Mark Windschitl was awarded the Iowa State University College of Human Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. Currently an associate professor at the University of Washington College of Education, Dr. Windschitl earned his Ph.D. at Iowa State University In Curriculum and Instruction. He previously obtained a B.S. in Zoology and an M.S. Ed. in Research and Evaluation.
A faculty member in the College of Education area of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Windschitl’s research interests deal with the early career development of science teachers. Recently, Dr. Windschitl presented before the National Academy of Science’s Committee on the Development of 21st Century skills on Cultivating 21st Century Skills in Science Learners: How Systems of Teacher Preparation and Professional Development Will Have to Evolve.
Dr. Windschitl has served as Principal Investigator on two National Science Foundation grants and one Carnegie Foundation grant, among others. His research group, which includes co-Principal Investigator Dr. Jessica Thompson, is conducting a longitudinal study on early career secondary teachers, specifically how they develop pedagogical reasoning around forms of inquiry.
As Dr. Windschitl states, “Our research group operates on the principle that every child has the right to learn rigorous science at every grade level, from a highly trained professional. We believe that skilled and caring teachers are the fulcrum of educational reform and that the research community (of which we are a part) must develop ways to systematically support these individuals across a career spectrum.”
Dr. Windschitl’s awards include the American Educational Research Association’s Presidential Award for Best Review of Research (2003) and the Outstanding Reviewer Award from the American Educational Research Journal (2006). He is a member of the American Educational Research Association and the National Association of Research in Science Teaching.
“Mark Windschitl has established a very positive reputation that extends from our College of Education community throughout the University of Washington and beyond into the region and nation,” says College of Education Dean Patricia Wasley. “He has earned recognition from a number of sources acknowledging his accomplishments in different aspects of his professional work. Mark has consistently been a strong, engaged member of the community, contributing wisely to our programs through his scholarship, teaching, and service.”