Don Bockler Award

The Massachusetts Association of Biology Teachers lost a good friend and an important leader when Don Bockler passed away on September 2, 2008.  Don’s energy and enthusiasm for teaching were an inspiration to us all.  Don was a dedicated educator who taught for over 30 years at Arlington High School and before that as a Peace Corps volunteer in South America. His students learned their lessons to a high standard because of his outstanding teaching.  In addition to his dedicated service to MABT, he chaired the Massachusetts Outstanding Biology Teaching Award Committee for years.   Don was an avid reader; his personal library held more than 5000 volumes, the diversity of which reflected his many varied interests and his inquisitive mind.   Don was an avid reader; his personal library held more than 5000 volumes, the diversity of which reflected his many varied interests and his inquisitive mind.

1. This award is designed to help new teachers purchase books to further their professional development.  It is also meant to foster involvement in professional organizations including MABT.   The recipient will be given $100 towards the purchase of books for their professional library.
2. To be eligible, applicants must be in their first three years of teaching life sciences in Massachusetts.
3. Applications are available by contacting Margaret Carroll through this website.
4. Application forms and one recommendation must be submitted by February 1^st of each year and the winner will be announced at the business meeting of the annual conference.
5. Applications will be reviewed and a winner chosen by members of the MABT Board of Directors.
6. All applicants will receive a complimentary one year membership in the Massachusetts Association of Biology Teachers.