John
W. Tillotson, dual associate professor of science education in Teaching
and Leadership and the Department of Science Teaching, is the Coordinator
of the Syracuse University Adolescence Science Teacher Education
Program. He teaches courses in methods of science instruction, curriculum
issues, teacher development, and the nature of science. His research
focuses on the influence of preservice teacher education programs
on science teachers’ beliefs and practices, action research
as a teacher development tool, and the impact of educational reform
on science education programs in high-needs rural school districts.
John is married and has four children. In his spare time, John is
an active volunteer firefighter and EMT in the rural community where
he lives.
Degrees,
discipline and where earned:
- Ph.D.
Science Education University of Iowa
- M.S.
Chemistry University of Iowa
- B.S.
Secondary Chemistry Education 7-12 SUNY Cortland
Courses
taught (names):
- Methods
& Curriculum in Teaching Science (SCE 413/613)
- Nature
of Science in Science Education (SCE 614)
- Teacher
Development in Science (SED 415/615)
- Curriculum
Problems in Science (SEC 718)
- Seminar
in Science Education Research (SCE 789)
Research
Area(s):
- Secondary
Science Teacher Education
- Science
Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices
- Rural
Science Education
Active
Grants:
- “Investigating
the Meaningfulness of Preservice Programs Across the Continuum
of Teaching (IMPPACT) in Science Education.” ($2,484,400,
NSF Grant #0455819, July 2005-June 2010). Principal Investigator
along with Dr. Scott Samson (Co-PI) from the Department of Earth
Sciences. This project involves the collaboration of three major
research universities in studying the role of science teacher
education program experiences on science teachers at various stages
of their careers.
- “Incorporation
of Modern NMR Spectroscopy into the Chemistry Curriculum of a
Four-Year Undergraduate Institution.” ($127,201 SU Sub-Award=
$13,730, September 2004-August 2007). Lead project evaluator on
this grant proposal along with Drs. M. Hoffman, M. Heitz, M. Logan
(all from SUNY Brockport). The goal of this project is to integrate
NMR technology in undergraduate chemistry courses at SUNY Brockport
and to conduct an overall educational evaluation of the impact
on students’ understanding of chemistry and the nature of
science.
Recent
Publications:
- Tillotson,
J.W., & Diana, T.J. (in press). A cycle of professional development
in science teacher education. In J. Penick & R. Harris (Eds.)
Teaching with Purpose. Arlington, VA: NSTA Press.
- Tillotson,
J.W., Ochanji, M.K., & Diana, T. (2004). Reflecting on the
game: Action research in science education. In J. Weld (Ed.) The
Game of Science Education. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
- Tillotson,
J.W., & Kluth, P. (2003). Auto mechanics in the physics lab:
Science education for all. In P. Kluth, D. Straut, & D. Biklen
(Eds.). Access to Academics. New Jersey: Lawrence Earlbaum.
Honors
and Awards:
- Excellence
in Graduate Education Faculty Recognition Award, Graduate School,
Syracuse University, April 2005.
- Outstanding
Community Service Award, Interdenominational Protestant Campus
Ministry, Syracuse University, April 2004
- Learning
Disabilities Association of America Teacher Educator Team Award,
December 2001
- New
Meredith Award Nominee for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring,
Syracuse University, December 2000
- 2000
Firefighter of the Year Award, Harford Volunteer Fire Department,
December 2000.
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