The Willow School Science Teachers Earn National and State Honors

NEW ORLEANS, LA –The Willow School is proud to announce that two of its exceptional science teachers have been honored with prestigious awards, underscoring the school’s commitment to excellence in science education. High School Environmental Science teacher Cindy Ferrara recently won a Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge grant, awarded by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and Carolina Biological. Additionally, Willow Middle School Science teacher Jodi Sanchez has been named the 2024 Louisiana Science Teachers Association (LSTA) Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher of the Year.

“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Ferrara and Ms. Sanchez for their dedication and inspiring impact on students,” said Willow School CEO Nicolette London. “These awards recognize their commitment to creating engaging, hands-on learning environments that empower students with real-world skills and a passion for science.”

Ms. Ferrara received a $10,000 grant through the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge, which she used to enhance her environmental science classes with new laboratory equipment. As part of this honor, she attended the NSTA conference in Kansas City last November. Looking ahead, the upcoming NSTA conference will be held in New Orleans this November, and Ms. Ferrara’s achievements will be highlighted when NSTA President Alicia Conerly visits her class and tours The Willow School.

Ms. Sanchez, one of three LSTA awardees this year, will be recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Middle School Science Teacher of the Year. Her award includes a $400 cash prize, a commemorative plaque, and formal recognition at the LSTA Awards Ceremony in November. She will also be featured in LASER, LSTA’s newsletter.

The Willow School provides an engaging, discovery-driven approach to education with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM). Through its varied curriculum—including courses like Flight and Space, Design and Modeling, and Computer Science—students at The Willow School are equipped to pursue innovative learning pathways and prepare for a dynamic future.

The Willow School supports students’ scientific and technical pursuits through Project Lead the Way (PLTW), offering middle and high school programs in engineering and biomedical sciences. This curriculum provides students with hands-on experiences in fields like computer science, design, and engineering, sparking curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking in preparation for college and STEAM careers.

The Willow School high school Environmental Science teacher Cindy Ferrara.

The Willow School middle school Science teacher Jodi Sanchez.