Election 2024

Below are the candidates and offices for the 2024 NCSLA election.  Members will receive an email with the ballot on March 15.  If you have question or trouble accessing the ballot, contact the web master.

President-Elect

Neil Pfifer

Neil Pifer is currently a K-12 Science Specialist in Rowan-Salisbury Schools and Planetarium Director of the Margaret C. Woodson Planetarium in Salisbury, NC.  He is a 26-year science educator, with a unique perspective of working in an informal classroom as part of a formal school district and have worked with students from K-12 and adult learners.  Neil was the previous informal education chair of NCSLA and have a deep appreciation for the work the NCSLA does with new and experienced educators from all over North Carolina. He feels that NCSLA  is strong organization because of its impactful educators and partners who choose to value science education. 

Secretary

Jessica Croson

Jessica is a high school teacher in Pender county and just completed a 3-year term as a Director-at-Large for NCSLA.

Director  (2 vacancies)

Michelle Chadwick

Michelle currently serves as the Assistant Director of Advanced Learning and STEM in Onslow County Schools. In addition to helping teachers identify and acquire appropriate resources for instruction and facilitating professional development programs, she focuses on the planning and operation of numerous STEM enrichment events including the Science and Engineering Fair with the district and with the private and homeschool students, She is also the Project Director for the Military Connected Academic and Support Program (MCASP)   Michelle has spent three years supporting educators in the science classroom as an inclusion teacher, followed by fifteen years teaching Biology, Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry and Physical Science at the secondary level.  Michelle holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and Masters in School Administration and Curriculum Instructional Specialist and an additional licensure in Academically and Intellectually Gifted instruction.  She has just completed her a 3-year trem as a Director-at-Large for NCSLA.

 

Mollie Jenkins

Mollie is a high school instructional coach in Forsyth County where she has had the opportunity to serve in a variety roles related to science and education . She has held that position since 2020.  Mollie has worked with all grade bands including university students. She entered public education in Guilford County primarily teaching high school science, serving as Science Department Chair and worked with 6-8 science as well (2015-20).  She has been a Test Item Writer for DPI and Summer Camp Director for Duke University and did similar work for NIEHS.  She conductd science research for NC State University, South Carolina State and the USDA in the areas of biology and biotechnology.  Her undergraduate work was at South Carolina State and Claflin Universities with  her graduate degree from Garner-Webb.

 

Christine Mitchell

Christine is currently the District STEM Coordinator for Wilson County Schools where she has held that position since 2020.  She taught middle school math and science for 6 years at Speight Middle School in Wilson.  Then, she was the Instructional Technology Facilitator for the district from 2014- until 2020. She received a BS from East Carolina University in Middle School Math/Science in 2009. She has a MA in Instructional Technology from ECU and an EdD Degree from the University of South Carolina.

 

Jessica Parker

Since 2004 Jessica has taught at the high school level in Cabarrus County.  Jessica is currently at Cox Mill High School. She has taught Biology, chemistry and earth/environmental science in addition to honors and AP courses.  Her service includes Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School as well as Mount Pleasant and Jay M. Robinson High Schools. She has also taught about 10 years as an Adjunct Instructor in Biology at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury.  Jessica has also served as a Scorer  for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Her undergraduate work was at Appalachian State University and UNC-Charlotte.  She has an MA in Science Education from East Carolina University.