Monomoy educator Nancy Gifford honored with the David Byron Award by the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers

Nancy Gifford, a Grade 7 science teacher at Monomoy Regional Middle School, was recently honored with the David H. Byron Award For Outstanding Service to Science Education by the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers. 

The David Byron Award is given by the MAST President to a MAST board member, in recognition of service and support to the organization and science education in Massachusetts. 

In bestowing the award, MAST President Craig Richard said, “Today, it’s my honor to present the prestigious David Byron Award to a truly exemplary educator, Nancy Gifford. Nancy's career spans over 30 years, marked by a profound commitment to science education and an unwavering dedication to her students and professional community.”

Gifford’s teaching experience began in 1992 at Mashpee Public Schools, where she taught grades K-2 until 2008, before spending two years with Harwich Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher. Since 2010, Gifford has inspired seventh-graders in science and robotics at Monomoy Regional Middle School.

“Across these roles, I have no doubt that Nancy’s passion for fostering curiosity and scientific exploration in young learners has and continues to shine through,” said Richard.

Gifford actively engages in numerous initiatives that shape science education on both state and national levels, including serving as the Barnstable County Director and Social Media Director for the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers, serving on the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, NASA Master Teacher for the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission, Advisor for GBH’s SCoPe NSF study, member of the WGBH project, Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms, workshop facilitator for The NEED Project.

Other awards Gifford has received include the 2013 Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers Barnstable County Science Educator of the Year, 2018 Massachusetts Science Educator of the Year, the AIAA Northeast Division 2023 STEM Teacher of the Year, and 2023 Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Gifford is a true asset to the Monomoy team, and we are lucky to have her inspiring and encouraging our budding scientists and engineers,” said Monomoy Middle School Principal Abby Dudley.