Biology Instuctor named Distinguished Teacher of the Year for 2009
Instructor Profile: North Centers Instructor Dr. Frank Yancey
Frank Yancy, biology instructor at the North Centers
As you enter Frank Yancy’s classroom, it is apparent that his students are totally engaged and immersed in the world of biology and the natural sciences. Hanging on the walls are various mammals, fish, and other interesting species of wild life. For 10 years, he has taught general biology, microbiology, human biology, life science, and anatomy classes at both the Madera and Oakhurst Centers.
“Frank’s nomination was based on his dedication, creativity, teaching philosophy, excellence in teaching, student success, leadership, and commitment to the educational system,” –Dr. Jim Chin
“I like interacting with our students, especially when I have a student that is not quite sure about biology,” said Yancy. “As the semester progresses I will see a positive change in their enthusiasm and appreciation for biology.”
This year, he will be recognized by the Madera District Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Committee as the Distinguished Teacher of the Year for 2009. Dr. Yancy was nominated by Dr. Jim Chin, Dean of Instruction at the Madera Center. “Frank’s nomination was based on his dedication, creativity, teaching philosophy, excellence in teaching, student success, leadership, and commitment to the educational system,” said Chin.
Dr. Yancy first began teaching at Texas Tech University, where he taught part-time while working on his research for his post-doctoral degree that focused on bat ecology. “I find bats to be interesting creatures and studied the impacts that humans have on bat populations,” said Yancey. After receiving his PhD in biology, he worked for two years as a forensic scientist at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “While I found that interesting work, I really missed being in the classroom and lab setting,” he said.
For the North Centers, he provides field trips for students that include the Merced Wildlife Refuge, the Sequoia Grove near Yosemite, and other local wildlife refuges in the Central Valley. Last year he participated in the SCCCD Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica, where he and his students studied field biology in the rainforest.
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