Teacher of the Year Finalist from Basis

“Sheri refuses to give up on students who are not performing well in her classroom. She tracks every assignment, lab report, quiz, and test score. If a student falls below a C average, she encourages them to come to her class before or after school or during lunch for additional tutoring. She has hosted pizza parties at her own expense for students who received a D or F on a big exam so that they could review the material and make corrections at the party,” explains Kara Kelty, BASIS Tucson Head of School. She says that one student remarked to her that, “Ms. Jordan makes the material so interesting that you don’t even realize you are learning.”

Sheri Jordan is the quintessential example of how BASIS goes outside the box to find great teachers who are experts in their subject matter, but who may not have a teaching degree.  Sheri had over 20 years of experience in research and teaching in neurobiology and human physiology when she noticed her elementary school aged daughter wasn’t receiving any science in the classroom. She started designing curriculum for her daughter’s school, but because she wasn’t certified, she was unable to teach it. She became a certified substitute teacher and implemented the curriculum, with the school’s permission, during her days as a sub.

Sheri does whatever it takes to make sure her students are learning. She makes all of her own microscopes by constructing a wooden base and attaching materials she purchases online.  She builds props and models to demonstrate everything from viruses and cells to human anatomy.  In recognition of the importance of hand on, experiential learning, she conducts interesting labs and dissections.  Sheri also runs the Science Bowl team for 6th and 7th graders.

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