GHS science teacher earns state honor

Grafton High School teacher Fran Grant recently received the 2020 Excellence in Science Education Award from the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST).

“This award really means a lot to me because it’s made up of an organization of my peers who are science teachers throughout the state,” Grant said, noting she was nominated by Whitefish Bay High School science teacher Judy Weiss.

Grant was to be recognized in March at the WSST Conference in the Wisconsin Dells, but due to the coronavirus pandemic she received her plaque in the mail a couple weeks ago. 

Grant has been teaching Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science courses, as well as biology, anatomy and physiology and earth science at Grafton High School for 26 years. She is also an adviser for the school’s student council, SMART Team, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and National Association of Biology Teachers Bioclub. 

“Much of Grant’s work allows students to communicate about science with members of the community,” according to a press release from the WSST Awards and Recognition Committee.

“She has spearheaded many programs that allow students to do authentic research and participate in learning about science in real-world situations.”     

An example of Grant’s initiative to provide students with real-world lessons includes her collaboration with the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce to create the Biomedical Science Career Conference at Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy, where her students attend sessions on careers and actively experience various professions in medicine and science. 

Grant has collaborated frequently with the Milwaukee School of Engineering, receiving grants and piloting new curricular materials exploring energy transfer and sickle cell anemia. Last year, she piloted a Stop the Bleed seminar for students and community members to learn how to apply tourniquets for various situations, including an active shooter incident.

Grant also created an advisory board with Ozaukee County biomedical professionals to support science education at Grafton High School. Members represented in the advisory board include Aurora Health Care, Ascension Hospital, Concordia University Wisconsin, Marquette University, Best Friends Veterinary Clinic, Sigma-Aldrich and the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce. 

In addition to the WSST Excellence in Science Education Award, Grant was named Ozaukee County Teacher of the Year in 2019 and the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator in 2016  and has been awarded a Kohl Fellowship.

“I’ve been very grateful to have had a number of students and teachers at Grafton High School who have supported me throughout my career in education,” Grant said.