(Editor’s Note: The following article was appropriate from the Becker Public Schools Facebook page.) 

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)  is pleased to announce that the 2023 Minnesota State Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Winner is Melissa (Missie) Olson, science teacher at Becker High School. The annual award is for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences at the pre-college level.”

The Central Section Committee of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers was particularly impressed by Ms. Olson’s development of three dimensional earth science lessons and her incorporation of technology into the classroom which engages students in greater critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of information.  Sharing her teaching experience, expertise and content knowledge with fellow teachers as a teacher leader through professional involvement and by instructing and mentoring future earth science teachers is commendable. 

These detailed examples of  Ms.Olson’s  lessons and involvement, gave the committee a clear picture of her passion for earth science teaching and her dedication to Becker High School students and the profession.   

NAGT was established in 1938 with the goal to improve geoscience education, emphasize the relevance and cultural significance of the earth sciences, and to disseminate knowledge to educators and the general public. The competitive Outstanding Earth Science Teaching Award program was established in 1971 to identify, recognize and reward excellence in teaching. 

The NAGT commends Ms. Missie Olson for her dedication to her students.