Paulding High Teacher Wins BioTech Honor

DALLAS, GA -- Marc Pederson, a teacher at Paulding County High School, has won a national honor for STEM instructors.

Pederson, who teaches courses including biology, chemistry and AP physics, has been named the 2016 BioGENEius Mentor of the Year by the Biotechnology Institute, a Washington-based nonprofit devoted to engaging and educating students, and others, about biotechnology.

Pederson, also a finalist for Georgia's Teacher of the Year honor, "exemplifies the best of STEM teaching nationally," according to the group.

"From Marc’s firsthand experience in research spanning molecular biology, behavioral ecology and wildlife conservation, he has provided his students with the opportunity to collaborate with professionals and post-secondary institutions on experiential, graduate level project-based programs that prepare them for college and careers by utilizing technology to investigate real problems within their own county," the Biotechnology Institute says in a post on its website.

"He has worked collaboratively with Georgia Highlands College, Kennesaw State University, and Georgia Tech to provide them the best chances to explore their potential."

Pederson has been recognized for his work with students as a 2016 Global Teacher Prize Nominee, a 2015 Presidential Award of Excellence in Science Teaching state finalist, the 2015 Georgia Teacher of the Year Finalist and numerous Paulding County Teacher of the Year awards.

(Image via Georgia Department of Education)