Eastern Florida Professor Named Master Teacher

A chemistry professor at Eastern Florida State College has been named a master teacher and invited to share his expertise with fellow educators at a seminar this summer.

Professor Chris Petrie, who teaches on the college’s Titusville campus, recently received the honor and will be a participant at The Florida Master Teacher Seminar 2014 in July at Pensacola State College.

The meeting is one of more than a dozen such gatherings held annually in the U.S., Canada and China to provide a forum where teachers can share their knowledge and discuss classroom innovation.

Petrie called the recognition humbling and said he’ll share what he learns with his Eastern Florida colleagues.

“As Eastern Florida State College has evolved, it has become more dependent upon technology to meet the needs of students in an increasingly technologically dependent world. For this reason, I never stop learning,” he said.

“I am constantly enrolled in short courses to improve my knowledge of chemistry and biology as well as the instrumentation used in modern research. Additionally, I am always trying out new academic technology such as e-books and adaptive learning modules.“

Dr. Phil Simpson, Provost of the Titusville campus, praised Petrie for keeping himself “at the frontiers of science and learning,” which helps students academically and in pursing their careers.

“Professor Petrie exemplifies excellence in teaching,” said Simpson. “In the past few years alone, he has enhanced his students’ learning through innovative use of classroom technology, service-learning requirements, and study abroad opportunities in the sciences in Belize.

“This kind of rich experience inside and outside the classroom better prepares our students for advanced courses and career opportunities after graduation. He is indeed a masterful teacher and deserving to share his experience at The Florida Master Teacher Seminar.”