High School Teacher

Location:

Darien, IL

Posted:

January 27, 2013

Contact this candidate

Resume:

Hinsdale Central Biology teacher recognized for talent - Darien, IL - Darien Suburban Life Page 1 of 3

Hinsdale Central Biology teacher recognized for talent

By John Cox

Hinsdale Central High School teacher and Darien resident Kathy Gabric has been named biology

teacher of the year in Illinois. Gabric just completed her second decade of teaching this year.

Biology Labs Grades 8-12

Students record data from their own bodies - brain, heart,

muscle, resp

www.biopac.com

Online EdS in Science

Earn an EdS in Secondary Science from the University of

Alabama.

BamaByDistance.ua.edu/

Teacher Appreciation

Express Your Thanks With M&M S - Personalize With A

Message Today!

MyMMs.com

Hope Presbyterian Church

1771 S. Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton, Il An outgoing and

active congregation

www.hopepresbyterian.org

By Alexa Jenner, abqcyh@r.postjobfree.com

Hinsdale Suburban Life

Thu Aug 07, 2008, 08:46 AM CDT

Hinsdale, IL -

Kathy Gabric always loved biology, but swore she would never be a teacher.

After finishing her 20th year at Hinsdale Central High School, she was recognized as biology teacher

of the year in Illinois.

Between growing up around a lake, lots of camping and having her mother as a science teacher for

three years in high school, Gabric enjoyed biology. While working on her master s degree to become

a marine biologist, she liked teaching lab and returned to Illinois to get her teaching certificate as well.

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/darien/news/x180431851/Hinsdale-Central-Biology-teach... 8/11/2008

Hinsdale Central Biology teacher recognized for talent - Darien, IL - Darien Suburban Life Page 2 of 3

Getting ready for labs before and after school, grading tests and coming up with a variety of class

activities, Gabric easily dedicates 60 to 70 hours a week to helping Hinsdale Central students find an

appreciation for biology.

Every day is a new adventure and a part of that comes from the subject and a big part of that comes

from the students I have, she said. I just hope my students take away an appreciation of the

complexity and beauty of how life functions.

As students study genetic diseases among other topics, Gabric said she tries to make teens

understand there is not a quick fix to the health and environmental challenges they may face in their

lives. She said what she enjoys most is staying in touch with her students and seeing where they

decided to go with their careers.

Gabric s classroom has far more technology than when she started. She went from not having any

computers in her room to 25 portable computers the students can use for labs. From bio engineering

to DNA fingerprinting, Gabric said the type of labs they are doing were not even part of her college

education.

Outside the classroom, Gabric spends extra time with students who need help. She also has coached

the Science Olympiad team, leading them to state competitions for the last seven years.

Marilyn Havlik, National Association of Biology Teachers director, said Gabric was chosen based on,

among other things, her involvement with the students beyond the classroom, her variety of

techniques to involve students and her dedication to biology.

Her creativity, involvement and dedication to her students and the teachers in her school as well as

educators throughout the country led to her selection as the 2008 Outstanding Biology Teacher from

Illinois, Havlik said.

While Gabric is happy to be recognized for her accomplishments, she is most excited about the

banquet in Memphis in October where her mother her mentor will be by her side.