News

Dr. Tanini honored for commitment to school, community and professional growth

CHELMSFORD, MA (June 7, 2022) – Dr. Linda Tanini, a biology and biotechnology educator at Chelmsford High School, was named the recipient of the Massachusetts Outstanding Biology Teacher Award, announced the National Association of Biology Teachers Monday.

Ms. Tanini, who has taught biology for 16 years, including the last 10 years at CHS, will be honored at the NABT Professional Development Conference Nov. 10-13, in Indianapolis.

The NABT’s Outstanding Biology Teacher Award recognizes outstanding biology teachers annually in grades 7-12, whose careers have been devoted to teaching biology and/or life science. Candidates are judged upon teaching ability and experience, cooperativeness in the school and community, and student-teacher relationships.

“This award reflects Dr. Tanini’s commitment to her students, to student-centered and inquiry-based learning, her training and content knowledge, and her professionalism, all of which exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding biology teacher,” said Don Pinkerton, Massachusetts Outstanding Biology Teacher Award Director, in a press release. “Such accomplishments and awards should make not only Chelmsford Public Schools, but the entire Commonwealth, proud. Linda is a priceless member of the education community.”

Dr. Tanini earned her undergraduate degree in biology from UMass Lowell in 1998 and a Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics from Boston College in 2006. She received her M.Ed. degree in secondary education from BC in 2007.

After beginning her teaching career at Methuen High School in 2006, Ms. Tanini came to Chelmsford in 2012 and has taken on several leadership roles and remains committed to professional development, to the benefit of her students. She participates regularly in programming offered by Harvard University Life Sciences Outreach and contributes regularly to LabXchange, an online science education resource offered by Harvard.

Additionally, Dr. Tanini has participated in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classroom program and worked with teachers from India and Ghana. At CHS, she has led several professional development workshops, served as an advisor to the Class of 2017, and is the co-coordinator of CHS’s NEASC accreditation team. She will also serve as a group leader for CHS’s Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Tour in 2023.

“My role as a biology teacher is more than just teaching concepts,” Ms. Tanini said. “I use current skills and techniques to shape my instruction so my students will be workforce-ready when leaving my classroom. For me, it isn’t important if every student remembers every detail of biology. It is most important that every student experiences a part of all the different pathways that are available to them to be successful in their lives.”

Beginning in the fall of 2022, the CHS Science Department will roll out its Life Sciences pathway with coursework in Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies, among other areas.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential.  This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students.  For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.