Vote early and often: Science teacher in the running for 20K prize to benefit school

Northgate could get closer to achieving the goal of an outdoor science learning center if enough people vote for a popular physiology teacher.

Science teacher Cori Starr recently became a contender in the NBC Sports All-Star Teacher competition. The winner of the competition recieves $20,000 to be used at the school.

“That money, specifically half, is for the outdoor classroom and half is for a new chromebook cart,” Starr said.

The contest allows people to vote once a day every day between now and June 1. Four other area teachers are also nominated.

Todd Bauleke, a fellow science teacher, entered Starr in the contest.  “When I first came to Northgate,” Mr. Bauleke stated, “she was one of those teachers that welcomed me into the school and always encouraged me to teach and to take risks as a teacher.”

This philosophy can certainly also be found in her classroom.

Payton Mannie, a senior in one of Starr’s physiology classes this year, said that she sees Starr as a candidate for the award, “Mrs. Starr is one of the most caring teachers at this school. It’s refreshing to see how hard she works to help each and every one of her students succeed,” she said.

Bauleke adds that Starr gave him “support and the freedom to fail” and that “the current cohesiveness in the science department is largely based on her leadership.”

To show support for Starr and the progress that she has pushed on Northgate and her co-workers, vote for her online by going to www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/AST.