Mr. Collins

Introduction
My name is Brandon Collins and I am the high school Chemistry teacher here at Greater Nanticoke Area Senior High School. I have been teaching since the 2007-2008 school year and have been a teacher here at Greater Nanticoke Area since the 2008-2009 School Year. In addition to being a Chemistry teacher, I am also a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for several local ambulances and other local attractions. In my free time, I spend time with my two children and am involved as a volunteer leader in the Boy Scouts of America. I love camping and the outdoors.

Expectations
The only thing that I can ever ask from you as a student is your very best effort. Chemistry can be a very difficult area of science to study. However, with hard work and dedication, this can be a very successful experience for you. I often say that Chemistry is an "A-Z Subject." Unlike some of your other science classes, each topic builds off the previous topic so understanding what we are doing in class is of the utmost importance. Please do not hesitate to ask me for additional assistance if you do not understand something.

Educational Background
Bachelors of Science – Chemistry – King’s College - 2007
Bachelors of Science – General Science – King’s College – 2007
Masters of Education – Science Curriculum & Instruction – King’s College – 2012
Masters of Science – Educational Administration – University of Scranton – 2015

PA Certificates
Pennsylvania Instructional Level 2 – Chemistry – Grades: 7-12
Pennsylvania Administration Level 1 – Principal – Grades: Pre K-12
Pennsylvania Department of Health Emergency Medical Technician Instructor

Clubs and Activities
Science Department Chairperson
Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team Member
Senior Class Co-Advisor
Science Olympiad Co-Advisor
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Sponsor and Judge
Science Olympiad Co-Advisor, Supervisor, and Judge
High School Coordinator of the Student Attendance Improvement Program
School Improvement Plan Team Member
High School Data Team Member
Former Student Council Advisor

Professional Organizations
Pennsylvania Science Educational Leaders (PennSEL)
American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT)
American Chemical Society (ACS)
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Pennsylvania State Science Teachers Association (PSTA)

Honors and Awards

Pennsylvania Science Educational Leaders (PennSEL)
I was selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Science Education Leaders (PennSEL) Network, a cohort of leadership teams representing 19 regions across Pennsylvania with the goal of improving science teaching and learning for all students. The multi-year effort was launched by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and NextGenScience in June 2021. 

The PennSEL Network builds upon a larger strategy to strengthen STEM education by investing in and increasing access to STEM learning experiences for educators and students. In September 2019, the State Board of Education charged PDE with beginning the process of updating Pennsylvania’s science, technology, environment, ecology, and engineering standards for the first time in approximately 20 years. The PennSEL Network will support science network teams to lead the transition of these new standards in their communities. 

98.5KRZ/Dunkin Donuts: Favorite Teacher
I was nominated and selected as Favorite Teacher of the Year Award presented by 98.5KRZ and Dunkin Donuts.

NFPA 472 Nationally Certified Hazardous Materials Operations
I am specially trained in the handling of Hazardous Materials in Emergency and Non-Emergency Situations as per the Professional Qualifications of NFPA 472 and ProBoard  International.

Susquehanna Aquatic Biodiversity Network Fellow – PA SeaGrant
I was selected as one of 5 Teacher Fellows who spent Summer 2011 conducting research on the water quality, aquatic life, and spined microthena spider population along the Susquehanna River from the PA/NY Border to Fort Washington in the Harrisburg area. The Program was funded through a grant from PA SeaGrant Program in cooperation with King’s College and Penn State University Chester Campus. I presented my research and lessons with the other teacher fellows at the Mid Atlantic Marine And Environmental Educators Association Conference hosted at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. My research focused on water quality in the Susquehanna River, ecotoxicology, and analysis of acid mine drainage present at multiple sites throughout the Wyoming Valley.

Student Assistance Program (SAP)
During the 2009-2010 school year, I attended an intensive training program that provides teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors with special skills to identify potential barriers to the education of our students. These barriers include possible substance abuse, mental health issues, and other problems. This training also helps to assist with providing students and their families with the resources needed to recognize and overcome these barriers through relationships with community agencies.

Teacher in the Workplace Program
During the Summer of 2008, I was selected as part of a cohort of teachers to participate in the Teacher in the Workplace Program. As a part of this program, I received valuable training at Luzerne County Community College to learn about the soft skills (interviewing, resume writing, etc.) that employers look for in our students. I then spent time working the PA American Water Company in the Wilkes-Barre Area seeing how science and Chemistry concepts in my classroom are connected to jobs in the real world.

Science in Motion Program – Chemistry
During the Summer of 2007, I was selected to participate in the Science in Motion Summer Development Program where I worked with professors from Wilkes University and the Pennsylvania Science in Motion Program to learn more about implementing experimentation and laboratory activities into our high school curriculum. The program highlighted the use of more advanced scientific instruments and a mobile science lab that are available for short term loan for use by teachers in this program.