Greensburg Salem biology teacher in running for STEM award; online voting ends soon

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Feb. 9—Today is the final day to vote online for Greensburg Salem High School biology teacher Andrea Redinger, who is in the running for Women in STEM Mentor of the Year honors at Thiel College.

Redinger, a 20-year veteran of the Greensburg Salem faculty, is competing against two other instructors from Ohio and West Virginia for a $250 prize. If she wins the popular vote and title, the district also will receive $500 toward classroom expenses and initiatives.

Redinger describes herself in her district profile as a "bio nerd extraordinaire." She annually hosts popular Critter Cruise events where fourth graders from Nicely Elementary visit her plant and animal biology class to see and learn about a variety of exotic animals.

"The fourth graders are always very appreciative, and I hear from the parents all the time about all the different things they learned while they were here," Redinger has said.

Redinger serves as science department chair, BioClub faculty adviser and coordinator of secondary gifted education in STEM at Greensburg Salem. She also is an adjunct professor and cooperating teacher at several area colleges and universities, is executive director of the Pennsylvania Science Curriculum Council and has received awards from the Pennsylvania Science Teachers' Association and the National Association of Biology Teachers.

She has received alumni awards from Plum Borough School District and from Saint Vincent College, where she received a bachelor's degree in biology. She holds a master's degree in science education from Duquesne University.

It's the second year for the contest at Thiel, with students at the Mercer County college submitting nominations. Redinger was nominated by Greensburg Salem senior Cassie Kaufman, who next year will be studying veterinary medicine at Thiel and competing on the college's women's lacrosse team.

Voting will continue until midnight on Friday. A link to a voting form can be found on the main page of the district website, greensburgsalem.org, under the "Recent News" section near the bottom of the page.

The winner will be revealed during a Women in STEM Student for a Day event Feb. 24 at Thiel.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .