USC Educator Selected to State Science Leadership Collaborative
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Dr. Colin Syme, an Upper St. Clair High School science teacher and the high school’s science curriculum leader, has been selected to serve on the Pennsylvania Science Leadership Collaborative, where he will help guide science education initiatives across the commonwealth.
Dr. Syme will represent the High School Life Science Teacher category on the 26-member advisory body, which provides guidance and classroom-based perspectives for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as it continues implementing and refining the Pennsylvania STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability) standards.
“This is a huge opportunity to have a role in shaping science education in Pennsylvania and to enhance science education at Upper St. Clair,” Dr. Syme said.
The selection process was highly competitive, according to Dr. Jason Zimmerman, PDE's science content advisor.
"We received 116 interest survey responses from incredibly talented and passionate science educators and partners across Pennsylvania," Zimmerman said. "The quality of the applications was remarkable, and you rose to the top."
A six-member review committee evaluated applicants using a rubric that considered science education experience, knowledge of the PA STEELS standards, diverse perspectives and readiness to collaborate.
"You were selected because of your unique expertise, your geographic and contextual perspective, and your demonstrated commitment to high-quality science education in Pennsylvania," Zimmerman said.
As a member of the collaborative, Dr. Syme will participate in statewide meetings, review curriculum documents, provide feedback on science education initiatives and contribute to the development of instructional frameworks that support science education across Pennsylvania.
Dr. Syme joined the Upper St. Clair High School faculty in 2009. He teaches Honors Anatomy & Physiology and Laboratory Research and Techniques in Science (LabRATS) while also serving as the high school science curriculum leader.
A native of Scotland, Dr. Syme earned a doctorate in physiology from the University of Aberdeen and a bachelor's degree in immunology and pharmacology from the University of Strathclyde. He later completed his Pennsylvania teaching certification at Duquesne University.
The work of the Pennsylvania Science Leadership Collaborative gets underway this fall.
- USCHS