Fall protocols for Massachusetts campuses were updated August 29, 2022. See details
COVID-19 Update
Papadonis, John
Senior Instructor
Science Education Program Chair
M.S.
University of Massachusetts/Lowell
Boston
(617) 873-0292
School Affiliation
Cambridge College School of Education
Academic Focus
Science education
Community Involvement
Representative to the City of Cambridge STEAM initiative 2015-16: Assisted with the planning and creation of a STEAM department for the Cambridge Community of Learners.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston - CAGS candidate
M.Ed. - University of Massachusetts, Lowell - Supervision
B.S. - Nasson College, Springvale, ME - Biology
Professional Experience
Cambridge College:
- Program Chair Science Education
- TEAC and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Accreditation Chair
- Interim Associate Dean for School of Education, 2013
- Science Colloquium Organizer for MA Science/Engineering Standards, 2015 and 2016
Burlington Science Center: Burlington Public Schools, Burlington, MA / 1972-1984 / Middle School 7-8 (1972-84), Founder and Coordinator/Director of the Burlington Science Center / K-8 (1984-2012).
McGraw-Hill Publishers (2016)- Reviewer and consultant for 2016 MH Middle School Integrated Science Textbook Series and Elementary Science Inspire Text series.
New England Aquarium, Boston, MA / Teacher Resource Center Instructor and Educational Exhibit Designer / 1971-2007 / Marine Educator - Teaching K-8 Science Teachers
Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS) / Boston, MA / 1999-2007 / Instructor, Teaching K-8 Teachers Professional Development- Science
Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, MA / 1997-2002 / Visiting Professor in Elementary and Middle School Science Methods.
Science Education Consultant: Presenting effective professional development for Elementary And Middle School Science Teachers. Special focus on alignment and understanding of the Massachusetts Science and Engineering/Technology Standards 2016
Harcourt Testing – San Antonio, TX Professional Science Assessment Developer
Delta Education – Nashua, NH Author and kit developer of Oceans Science Module
Lyons and Zarumba Design – Boston, MA Museum exhibit consultant
Awards & Recognitions
- Massachusetts Science Educator’s Hall of Fame – Inducted 2009
- Massachusetts Teacher of the Year – finalist 2008
- Boston Globe /two full feature stories on personal accomplishments at the Burlington Science Center 2006 and 2008
- Amgen Award nomination 2006
- Burlington Education Foundation / STARLAB Award for Exceptional Science Instruction in the Burlington Community 2006
- Project Zero - Harvard Graduate School of Education - consulting / Science Misconceptions Studies with Dr. Tina Grozier
Research & Publications
Authored “Oceans” module for Delta Education Inc., Nashua, NH
Selected Presentations
- Burlington Public Schools - provide staff development on a regular basis for K-8 teachers.
Some of my most notable professional development days include:
- Engineering in the Elementary Curriculum and The Marriage of Math and Science Utilizing the Tools of the Trade
- Ministry of Education, Barbados - presented a three-day professional development series for elementary and middle school teachers highlighting best practices in hands-on science education - October 2006 on Barbados Island
- Lesley College Kindergarten Conference- Early Childhood Science Presenter
- PAL Professional Development Conference - Lexington - Early Childhood Science Presenter - 2008-2010
- Greater Boston Early Childhood Collaborative- consultant for Early Childhood Science Professional Development - 2010
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
- Massachusetts Department of Education (grade 5 MCAS science assessment development)
- Northeast Science Supervisors
- Massachusetts Science Teachers Association (MAST)
