My greatest accomplishment is creating a student-centered scientific community that holds each member accountable.”
Charley’s Story
Charley Sabatier grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in physics. “I studied physics because it challenged me to think, something I challenge my students with everyday!” He earned both his MA in science education and a second MA in Ed Leadership from George Mason University.
Charley firmly believes that students learn science by doing science. As a physics teacher, he used the Modeling curriculum developed by Arizona State University, which allowed students to inquire about physics concepts and discuss experimental results with peers. Students then challenged each other to support their findings with evidence. Charley’s students created and and used physics-related wikis affectionately called “Myphysicsfacespace” to pose class-related questions, write responses and even include images and music.
After teaching physics in Northern Virginia for 10 years, he transitioned to being the HS Science Specialist for his district supporting over 500 science teachers with curriculum and professional development. After three years in the world of cubicles, he moved back to Mississippi returning to the physics classroom with a renewed sense of purpose and expanded view of his role as an educator.
He then developed a Project Based Learning Engineering course for students at his high school in MS and now teaches the 4 semester Career and Technical Education Engineering pathway course. While his first love is teaching physics, he feels that teaching engineering is like being Batman, we get to learn and play with “the wonderful toys!”
In 2008, Charley earned the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, the nation’s top teaching accreditation. He renewed this certification in 2018. He was the 2012 Teacher of the year for both his northern VA high school and district. He was also the 2018 Teacher of the year for his north MS high school. He is currently the Robotics Coordinator for his district as well as the Science Olympiad and Science Quiz bowl Coach. He is the advisor for the Technology Student Association and the Go Green recycling club. “Being involved in school activities helps me build positive academic relationships with students. These positive relationships translate into improved success in the classroom.”