Presenter Biographies

Presenters

Carol K. Baker, Ed.D. - Dr. Baker is a member of the forty-one nationally recognized educators on the NGSS Writing Team, Illinois Science Teachers Association (ISTA) Past-President, Director of Curriculum for Science and Music at CHSD 218, and a consultant with ISBE on the adoption of NGSS. Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Natacia Campbell, Ed.D. - Dr. Campbell currently serves as the Division Chair for Science, Applied Technology, and Family and Consumer Sciences at Victor J. Andrew HS; She has contributed to national organizations such as the National Science Education Leadership Association, National Science Teachers Association, and the National Career Pathways Network.  Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Norman T. Dahm, Jr. (NBCT)- Mr. Dahm is a Lead State Reviewer (Illinois) for the Next Generation Science Standards, Chairperson for the Science Assessment Advisory Committee for the ISBE, and a National Board Certified Teacher in AYA Science with 28 years of teaching all levels of Biology. Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Julie A. Gaubatz, Ed.D. - Dr. Gaubatz has 19 years of science teaching experience, ranging from teaching 7^th grade life science at a school specializing in students with learning difficulties to college-level Immunology and Pre-Medical Chemistry. Most of her career, however, has focused on teaching, researching, and leading high school science programs in both Illinois and Texas. Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Facilitators

Bob Abrams - Mr. Abrams has been working in science education since 1998. He began his career teaching Biology at Bloomington High School.  He has since earned his Master's in education administration, been awarded an Enhancing Education Through Technology grant , and recently at Rich Township High Schools, has been an Associate Principal for Operations, and recently worked in the district office as the Coordinator for Data, Assessment, and Grants. Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Gilbert "Gil" Downey - Mr. Downey is the CEO of Downey Educational Consulting providing professional development support for K-12 science standards, curriculum and instruction as well as implementation of effective formative assessment practices. Gil spent six years at ISBE in the College and Career Readiness Division. Prior to his work with ISBE, Mr. Downey taught junior high and high school science for 23 years and was an assistant principal and principal for 9 years.  Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Rita Januszyk - Ms. Januszyk is a member of the forty-one nationally recognized educators on the NGSS Writing Team, began her career as a Scientific Assistant in biological sciences at Argonne National Laboratory, has taught at Gower District 62 since 1985 and is currently a 4th grade teacher serving as the district's Science and Enrichment Coordinator. Full Biography and Contact Info ...

Frank Petkunas - Frank Petkunas is the Assistant Regional Superintendent of Iroquois-Kankakee County schools providing professional development for area educators and support for the programs and services provided by the I-KAN Regional Office of Education (ROE). Frank has been involved with reviewing NGSS and serves on the Illinois state adoption committee for NGSS. He is also a member of the Building Capacity for State Science Education (BCSSE) team for Illinois, a committee of the National Council for State Science Supervisors. Full Biography and Contact Info ...