A 'transformative' educator: Tokay High teacher Jennifer Robinson-Buck named STEM Teacher of the Year

Wes Bowers, Lodi News-Sentinel, Calif.
·2 min read

May 24—Tokay High School teacher Jennifer Robinson-Buck has been described by one of her superiors as "an exemplary educator whose tireless efforts and transformative impact have significantly contributed to our school community."

Her unwavering dedication, innovating teaching methods and profound impact on students' academic and personal growth earned her a nomination as STEM Teacher of the Year from vice principal You Lor.

This week, the The North Central Valley STEM Center agreed with Lor's assessment, naming Buck the Albert Brocchini Memorial STEM Teacher of the Year for her work engaging students and promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"I am so grateful for the honor of being named STEM Teacher of the Year," Buck said. "Over the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with exceptional students who have inspired and motivated me to create more impactful lessons. These amazing teenagers challenge and energize me, and they are the reason I look forward to returning each year."

In his nomination letter, Lor said that in Buck's anatomy and physiology classes, students produce exercise videos to demonstrate their understanding of anatomical concepts. In forensics, he said, they engage in authentic crime scene simulations, stating the projects not only deepen students' understanding but also hone their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills as they collaborate in groups to conceptualize, execute, and present their work.

Beyond her instructional duties, Lor said Buck is actively involved in numerous STEM related activities and programs, and is a regular participant in Teachers for Environmental Literacy meetings and events.

Buck has helped organize the NorCal Science Festival, the Go Green Club and study trips, all of which Lor said provide invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students. She has also been committed to securing corporate sponsorships for lab supplies, he said, which underscores her dedication to ensuring student success.

Buck holds a master's degree in environmental literacy, mentors students in biology Olympiad, supports new science teachers, advises the Tokay STEAM team, and organizes professional developments on environmental literacy and inquiry-based learning models, as well, he said.

"Mrs. Robinson-Buck is a master at integrating real-world scenarios into her classroom, thereby fostering the development of crucial 21st-century skills among her students," Lor said. "Her ability to inspire, empower, and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in STEM fields is unmatched."

With the award, Buck received a $1,000 grant from NCVCS for classroom supplies and necessities.

The NCVSC also awarded a $750 scholarship to Tokay High School student Xavier Fabro and a $700 scholarship to Ripon Christian High School student Shelby Terra this week. The North Central Valley STEM Center is a regional network of the California STEM Learning Network coordinated through the San Joaquin County Office of Education. For more information, visit www.sjcoescience.org/north-central-valley-stem-center.html.