Welcome to the MABT BioBlog site. In 1994 Harold “Sandy” Wiper, former biology teacher and “mover-and-shaker” in biology education, gathered a group of biology teachers “to promote the professional growth and development of biology teachers in Massachusetts to enhance their effectiveness in the classroom and community.” And so it was that the Massachusetts Association of Biology Teachers (MABT) was born.
Following its inception the MABT became incorporated in 2001. Years earlier Agnes Hayes (to whom the MABT is indebted for her persistence in moving the organization ahead during its early years) had planted the seeds for this move, but it was only through the generosity and considerable effort of Attorney Bruce McElvenny that incorporation became a reality. This was followed by 501(C)(3) Public Charity status, IRS tax exemption, and relief from having to pay state sales tax. Now the MABT has a strong base from which to “reach out and touch” biology teachers within the state and beyond.
Our goal is to promote the professional growth and development of biology teachers, particularly in Massachusetts but by no means limited to that area. We hope to provide information to and coordinate communication with all who have an interest in the fast-moving fascinating field of biology and biology education.
To that end we are in the process of developing a website, http://www.massbiology.org, with the help of John Inferrera, webmaster at Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA, and this BioBlog, with the help of Brad Williamson, member of the Kansas Association of Biology Teachers and a past President of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). The kindness and help of both John and Brad is boundless and very much appreciated. Without both of these helpful souls the MABT sites would still be figments in our imagination. It is also with deep appreciation and sadness that I acknowledge the many contributions of my cyber-partner, Don Bockler, to the development of the MABT website. When the idea of a website was proposed Don jumped right in with an overflow of ideas and a willingness to learn along with me the art of website development. Don’s life came to an untimely end in September of 2008, but his “hand” remains ever present on the site and on our organization.
So, I have said enough. We welcome your responses, contributions, ideas, thoughts – whatever – to the MABT BioBlog. Welcome to an adventure in communication centered around biology and biology education. We hope you will benefit greatly and return often.
Paul
Paul C. King
MABT Board Member and Website Administrator
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