Two Homewood-Flossmoor teachers, Jeanettra Watkins and Corinne Zimmerman, are known for getting students at every level excited about science.
Now they are both being honored with special teaching awards.
Watkins’ commitment to teaching science started back in fifth grade, when her science teacher, Joy Ward-Drew, sparked an interest through her compelling teaching style and nurturing skills.
“She cultivated that love of science for me,” Watkins said. “By just giving — she took time, exposed me to different science competitions, even paid for me to go.
“She told me, ‘When you become the adult, give back as well,’” Watkins recalled.
So in addition to her regular science teaching, Watkins tutors students after school, using her own funds to give out five scholarships yearly. She thrives on helping minority students who struggle with science.
Watkins was also just plain fascinated by science herself, not even flinching at the dissections she did.
“I always asked a lot of questions, it was kind of my niche,” she said.
She applied to the Society for Science Advocate Program to become an advocate and help science students. Last year, she was accepted as an introductory advocate and helped three underserved students prepare for science, technology, engineeing and math research competitions.
This year she’s an amplification advocate and will do the same, but help students enter into new and/or multiple competitions.
Watkins’ advocacy this year will include being a science instructional coach, working with teachers to boost student learning through interactive lessons, new teaching strategies and other tools and resources.
She’s also a biology teacher.
“I pique their interests by making it interactive and interesting,” she said. “I also use real-world scenarios so they can understand the concepts.”
Zimmerman, a biology and anatomy teacher, received the Excellence in Encouraging Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion award from the National Association of Biology Teachers. She’ll represent H-F at the association’s professional development conference in St. Louis in October, where she’ll receive a plaque, a $500 honorarium and complimentary membership.
She said her passion for JEDI infuses her teaching.
“I believe every student deserves meaningful access to science education regardless of their background, language or life circumstances,” she said.
Zimmerman said that perspective has influenced her work with English language learners.
“I’ve also supported students in recovery classes, helping them rebuild confidence and reconnect with learning,” she said.
She’s also worked in summer bridge programs to help students ease into high school.
In fact, Zimmerman said she loves her field so much she tries to create a classroom where every student sees themselves as a scientist and learns from their mistakes.
“I love finding creative ways to make complex concepts understandable and fun,” she said.
Zimmerman helped one student adopted from Africa, who was diagnosed with cancer during their unit on it.
“I supported her through homebound services, adapting instruction to her situation while also making sure she still felt included and empowered as a learner,” said Zimmerman.
“That experience reminded me that equity isn’t about one size fits all, it’s about meeting students where they are, academically and personally, and making sure they know they belong in the science classroom,” she said.
Both teachers’ have their admirers at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, from students to staff.
Evan Roberts, science department lead, said Zimmerman’s knowledge, experience and fresh idea have been essential to the department’s growth.
“She has played an instrumental role in establishing our new anatomy and physiology course and does an excellent job of engaging students through a phenomena-driven approach,” Roberts said. “Her deep understanding of storylining and the Next Generation Science Standards continues to benefit her peers and stimulate growth in their daily practice.”
Roberts said he was equally impressed by what Watkins brings to the school, having known her for almost a decade.
“Mrs. Watkins always goes the extra mile,” he said. “She tutors students who need additional support, and last year she was instrumental in helping one student realize that she could be successful in science.”
That meant helping the student one-on-one after school and communicating with her parents, Roberts said.
“Examples like this are why I’m excited for the students who will have the opportunity to work with Mrs. Watkins — she sees and communicates the best of what they can do,” he said.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.