President

Yvonne is in her 29 th year as a high school science teacher. After 20 years in the classroom with the last 10 of those at Bishops College, she joined CDLI, the Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation, in the fall of 2015, where she teaches both levels of high school chemistry as well as science 1206.

Yvonne has a passion for scientific research and experiential learning, having completed a Master of Science and working as a scientist at McGIll University before entering the field of education.

In addition to serving as the president of the Math Science SIC since it was reformed in the spring of 2014, Yvonne has been a member of the NL Science Fairs Council (formerly the Eastern Newfoundland Science Fairs Council) since the late 1990s. Yvonne has served in various roles over the years including chair, vice-chair as well as in her current role as communications officer. This volunteer organization is responsible for organizing the Eastern Newfoundland Science Fair competition in the spring of each year as well as the Virtual NL Science Fair, a new fair for students in Labrador, Western and Central Newfoundland (LWCN). Yvonne has played a crucial role in establishing this new fair and is currently the Youth Science Canada Regional Coordinator for the LWCN region. https://nlsciencefairs.ca/

X: @vondaw10

Vice-President (K-6)

Vice-President (7-12)

High School Chemistry and Science Teacher at Corner Brook Regional High

26.5 years of teaching experience

B. Sc. (Chemistry), B. Ed., M. Ed.

Member of the Math Science Special Interest Council (MSSIC)

Provincial Executive member of NLTA

Chair of Group Insurance with NLTA

I have taught at Ascension Collegiate, St. Francis, Regina High School, and now currently teaching at Corner Brook Regional High School.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of MSSIC and I would encourage other educators to become involved in this great special interest council.

Treasurer

Jordan is a classroom teacher, teaching French Immersion Math and Science at St. Peter's Junior High in Mount Pearl. Though math is his bread and butter, he loves introducing scientific topics to his students and giving them opportunities to experience science hands on. At his school, he oversees the Math League team (the SPJH π-thons) and supports his colleagues with technical tasks, whether it is using MicroBits for experiments or using spreadsheets to track standards based grading (Jordan really likes his spreadsheets). 

Jordan studied Math, science and French at MUN before completing intermediate/secondary education and a master's degree in educational technology.  Outside of his work as a teacher, he puts his math skills to use as a tax preparer and business consultant for his firm, Numeric Consulting.

X: @HJordanElliott Web: https://hje.me/

Secretary

Communications Officer

Jennifer started her teaching career in 2005. She has taught high school Chemistry and Biology at Marystown Central High School, Holy Heart of Mary, O'Donel and Mount Pearl Senior High. She is currently the Science Department Head at Macdonald Drive Junior High. She has a BSc (Major in Biology), BEd (Intermediate Secondary) and an MEd (Educational Leadership) from Memorial University. 

Jennifer is currently a member of the NLTA Equity issues in Education Committee, a Teacher Leader with Let's Talk Science, a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Science Fair Committee and a recipient of the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence (2024). Jennifer's passion is in STEM education and incorporating experiential learning into the science curriculum to create fun, engaging meaningful lessons for her students.

X: @joneillriggs

Retired science teacher presently working at Memorial University and finishing his PhD. Interested in science teacher professional development, student lab work, and placed-based learning. Also, a big Vernier fan for student inquiry.  

X: @science_pwells

Craig White is an Education Specialist with the national charity, Let’s Talk Science. In addition to developing and delivering professional learning activities, Craig leads the STEM Careers program, develops career resources and lesson support materials for both STEM and non-STEM teachers.

Craig has worked at all levels of education in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was a chemistry/biology teacher before serving as grade 9-12 Assistant Principal and grade 4-9 Principal. Craig worked as Program Implementation Specialist (science and technology) at the School District level. Craig concluded his career in formal education at the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education and Early Childhood Development where he worked as the Program Development Specialist for Science, and later as Program Development Specialist for Indigenous Education.

Craig is a proponent for sustained Professional Learning for educators. His professional interests include science classroom pedagogy, student motivation, teaching the Nature of Science, education for sustainable development, teaching reading comprehension strategies, school leadership, and brain compatible teaching strategies.