Falls Teacher Michael Mullen Recognized for Achievements in the Classroom

Menomonee Falls School District science teacher Michael Mullen was recently recognized by the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST) for his outstanding work with science education in Wisconsin. 

Mullen has been teaching physical and life science, and currently teaches biology and anatomy/physiology, in the Menomonee Falls School District for the past 18 years.  For 10 years, he served as the district's science curriculum coordinator during which time he conducted elementary teacher training sessions, assisted them with science instructions and taught lessons in grades 1 through grade 5.  Since 2005, he has been a coach for the Academic Decathalon team.  Michael’s school composting program, which he created now composts two tons of vegetable waste and 100 pounds of worm fertilizer each year.

"We have an outstanding science department and Michael is one of the strong reasons why," said Superintendent Keith Marty. "In his biology classroom and many student project programs, he makes science come alive in our community.  Many of our students are led  to a career or ongoing interest in science through Michael’s ability.”

WSST recognizes science teachers annually for their achievements. Mullen will be presented the Excellence in Science Education Award at the WSST convention in Wisconsin Dells on March 18. The Excellence in Science Education Award is presented to foster excellence in science instruction and to recognize that excellence. The award is given annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of science education in Wisconsin. This would include elementary, secondary or college teachers, and any other active supporters of science education

Mullen has been awarded the Technology Teaching Award for a cross-curricular program with family and economic education, science and technology education.  He has also received the Superintendent’s Award for Child  Advocacy.

Mullen's students have participated in "Testing the Waters Program; Science Education Partnership Award Program" (SEPA) through the National Institute of Health; the National Monarch Watch Program through the University of Kansas; and collaborated with Ukranian students and NASA.

On the state and national level, he has held leadership positions for science education with Biomet, the Salish Research Project through the United States Department of Education and the National Science Mentoring Program.  He has been a reviewer for the Science Teacher Journal and is now in the process of writing a book about dialogs which are short plays written for science teachers about topics in biology and anatomy/physiology.

Mullen is also involved with and presents frequently at the annual meetings of WSST and the National Science Teacher’s Association in addition to the courses he teaches at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Cardinal Stritch University.