Board of directors canidates

Board of Directors Candidates 2026

Secretary: Marcia Gardner

I am excited to run for the position of Secretary for the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers because I strongly believe in their mission to support and connect science educators across our state. WSST provides meaningful opportunities for teachers to learn about current trends and best practices in science instruction through conferences, professional development, and collaboration with colleagues from diverse districts and grade levels. These connections are essential for keeping science instruction engaging, relevant, and student-centered.

I am deeply passionate about inquiry-based education and creating classrooms where students are learning through active investigations, questioning, and discovery. I believe science should spark curiosity and empower students to think critically about the world around them. Equally important to me is ensuring equitable access to quality science education for all. This includes being mindful of the impact of trauma, learning gaps, and diverse student needs. As well as supporting educators with resources and professional learning that promotes inclusive and supportive classroom environments. Every student deserves the opportunity to engage in meaningful science learning, and every teacher deserves strong professional support to make that possible. As a WSST member, I strive to support teachers by fostering practical strategies that promote student discovery and hands-on learning while strengthening engagement within our teaching community. As Secretary, I would work to support clear communication, organization, and documentation so that the work of WSST remains transparent, efficient, and accessible to members. I value collaboration, consistency, and follow-through. I am committed to serving the organization in a way that strengthens our ability to support science educators across Wisconsin.

Background Education:

BS of Science in Education, UW-La Crosse
Masters of Education-Professional Development, UW-La Crosse
Reading Teacher Licensure, Viterbo University

Present Teaching Assignment or employment:

Title Teacher/Team Lead, School District of La Crosse

Professional Activities (limit to 5):

Teacher Educators Network for Environmental Education (TENFEE), summer workshops
iTeams- Math and Science Partnership Grant - UW-La Crosse, WWTC, Winona State University
Wisconsin Finalist for Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

Professional Organizations (limit to 5):

WINGS Grant and Alumni Participant
WSST: Past Elementary Chair - Current Nominations and Elections Chair
2024 WSST Conference - Driftless Wonders - CoChair

District. 2 : Tom Davies

Position Statement and your vision for WSST (not to exceed 400 words):

I am in my 22nd year of teaching high school science and have been a member of WSST since 2013. Over the years, I have attended many conferences and learned from dozens of inspiring educators. These experiences have helped me grow as a teacher, and I regularly bring ideas from these sessions back to my classroom to improve instruction and student learning.

I attended WINGS in 2022 and 2024, where I worked with many outstanding WSST educators from across the state. At WINGS, we focused on storylining and phenomenon-based curriculum. With the support of my WINGS colleagues, my high school biology team transitioned to the Illinois Storylines curriculum and has now been storylining for four years. This shift has had a meaningful impact on both instruction and student engagement and reflects my belief in thoughtful, intentional instructional improvement.

My involvement with WSST has also grown into service and leadership. After attending the 2014 conference, I joined the Awards and Recognition Committee and have been an active member ever since. Following WINGS in 2022, I was inspired to become more involved, which led me to step into the role of District 2 Director in 2023. I have truly enjoyed serving in this capacity and would welcome the opportunity to continue giving back to an organization that has given me so much professionally. As a director, I strive to support educators in my district by connecting them with resources, professional learning opportunities, and one another.

My vision for WSST is to continue strengthening our community of science educators by supporting high-quality instruction, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that teachers across the state feel valued, supported, and inspired to keep growing.

Background Education:

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point:

Bachelors of Science - Natural Science Major - Physical Science Option, Chemistry minor

University of Montana - Bozeman:

Masters of Science - Science Education

Present Teaching Assignment or employment:

D.C. Everest Senior High School (2009 - present): currently teaching Biology and Conceptual Physics

Professional Activities (limit 5):
• WSST District 2 Director (2023–present)
• Participant, WSST WINGS (Wisconsin Institute for Next Generation Science), 2022 & 2024
• Member, WSST Awards and Recognition Committee (2014–present)
• Presenter at multiple WSST conferences
• Member, Building Leadership Team, D.C. Everest Senior High School (2019–2022)

Professional Organizations (limit 5):
• Member, WSST (2013–present; additional years prior)
• Member, NSTA (2025–present)
• Active member, Central Wisconsin Physics Group (2009–2019 until it dissolved)

Interests (optional):

I enjoy spending time at the lake, exploring national parks, traveling and adventuring with my family, serving as an adult leader in Scouting America, downhill skiing, and backpacking.

District 3: Sarah Klingbile

Position Statement and your vision for WSST (not to exceed 400 words):
I have been a science educator for over 10 years. During this time, I have relied heavily on the
resources of my district and what WSST has to offer. I have attended many conferences,
networked with colleagues from across the state, and participated in WINGS multiple times. I
know there are teachers in my district who might be interested in similar opportunities, but
don’t know where to begin or how the opportunities directly impact their classrooms. As District
3’s director, I want to bridge the gap between educators and WSST’s resources / opportunities.

There’s so much potential that is waiting to be tapped into. Let’s work together to develop the
best strategies our students deserve.

Background Education:

Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science
Masters of Education in Teaching and Learning

Present Teaching Assignment or employment:
Seymour Community High School Science Teacher (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology
in Forensic Science, and Physical Science)

Professional Activities (limit to 5):
Seymour Community HS Science Club Advisor, Link Crew Co-advisor, Seymour School
District Tech Committee Member, Presenter at WSST Conference, Participated in Wisconsin
Institute for Next Generation Science (WINGS),

Professional Organizations (limit to 5):
Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST)
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)
American Chemical Society (ACS)
American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)

Interests (optional):
I enjoy traveling and road trips. I also enjoy tinkering with crafting, especially jewelry. My husband
and I own a vintage reselling business as a hobby.

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