Every so often, the New England Aquarium Teacher Resource Center recognizes an individual who has shown particular dedication to both teaching and marine science. The Teacher of the Year Award is presented to exemplary educators who integrate marine and environmental education throughout their entire curriculum while providing students with meaningful and real-world learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, these educators show passion for and promote a sense of ocean conservation both at school and in the community.

This year we are thrilled to honor Dave Winchester of Lynn Classical High School in Lynn, Mass.

Lynn Classical Marine Biology teacher David Winchester shows a horseshoe crab to Angela Erelli, one of his students in AP Marine Biology on a field trip to the Saugus River on Friday. (Credit: The Daily Item of Lynn / Owen O'Rourke)

As a part-time aquarist and a full-time teacher, Dave is constantly immersed in his two favorite fields— marine science and education. In his classroom at Lynn Classical High School, aquariums with live organisms are scattered throughout. These aquariums provide both his students and his Environmental Club members with opportunities to learn about animals and how to care for them. Together with his students, he runs headstart, breeding and rescue programs for various animals including Blanding’s turtles and sticklebacks. [The Aquarium does headstart programs for red-bellied cooters!]


When they’re not in class caring for Gary, a rescued Garibaldi turned class mascot, Dave and his students are in the field conducting studies and organizing clean-ups at local salt marshes and beaches. These are just some of the ways that Dave works towards his main objective: to have students do and participate in real science.

Dave’s reach, however, does not stop there. From coordinating a recycling program to a city tree care program, he continually strives to support community initiatives to protect our ocean and planet. He also regularly participates in the New England Aquarium Career Pathways, a mentoring program for teens interested in marine science.  Furthermore, Dave always finds the time to help fellow educators incorporate marine science into their curriculum by sharing his experience and expertise at several of our summer courses.