Dr. Steve Rapp
Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, Robotics, Grades 10-12, A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School, Abingdon, Virginia
Total years as a classroom teacher: 39
EDUCATION
| 1997 | East Tennessee State University | Ed.D., Education |
| 1989 | Marshall University | M.A., Physical Science |
| 1973 | Marshall University | M.S., Secondary School Administration |
| 1969 | Concord College | B.S., Biology and Science Education |
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
| 1998-Present | Grades 10-12, Physics, Astronomy, Engineering, Robotics, A Linwood Holton Governor’s School, Abingdon, Virginia |
| 1989-1998 | Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, East Tennessee State University School, Johnson City, Tennessee |
| 1972-1989 | Grades 10-12, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Iaeger High School, Iaeger, West Virginia |
| 1969-1972 | Grade 8, General Science, Iaeger Intermediate School, Iaeger, West Virginia |
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
| 2009 | Virginia Education Association Award for Excellence in Teaching |
| 2005 | Thomas Brennan Award for Excellence in Astronomy Teaching |
| 1997 | Tandy Technology Prize for Excellence in Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science |
- Dr. Rapp believes that students learn science most effectively when they can see that science is relevant and meaningful to their everyday lives. He also believes that students learn best when they actually do science. Dr. Rapp says the absolutely most effective learning occurs when students become “cognitive apprentices” to an expert.
- Dr. Rapp likes to think of himself as a facilitator or advisor helping to provide a productive learning environment for all his students. He believes his students see him as a facilitator, one that can make things happen for them. One who can provide unique, useful learning opportunities and one who can help equip them for the highway of life.
“Dr. Rapp makes science and technology exciting, tangible, and understandable to his students. He gives his students hands-on experiences in science typically through technology. He gets them to be critical thinkers in these areas, which is a goal unto itself and not always an easy task.”
Connie Walker, Colleague
“Dr. Rapp was one of the most effective, knowledgeable teachers I have ever had. He was able to bring [the] complex and vast subject of Astrophysics down to a level which high school students were able to easily understand, a large task for a teacher who rarely saw his students. He was able to show us the practical applications of a difficult subject - an awesome accomplishment from an outstanding teacher.”
Adam Childers, Student