Justin Randall Heckman teaches physics, AP physics, and principles of engineering at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, IA. He has been teaching for approximately eight years. He is the Science Club and Engineering Club sponsor for the school. Mr. Heckman was instrumental in starting the school’s Engineering Academy; he volunteered to attend training to teach one of the courses, and he has encouraged students to become involved. He serves on the Building Improvement Team; What Works staff development committee; and Rigor, Relevance, and Relationship School Improvement Team. In these roles he has researched and developed programming to improve the high school experience and designed and implemented weekly staff development programs.
Considered an innovative teacher, Mr. Heckman has been sought out for assistance in science curriculum instruction and assessment by both peers and district personnel. He is valued by students, parents, and teachers; students view him as “awesome.” Mr. Heckman is known for his dedication, creativity, professionalism, and character. He has actively worked to encourage female students to become more involved in engineering and other sciences.
Mr. Heckman holds State endorsements in general science, biology, chemistry, and physics. He has a B.S. in secondary education (natural science) and an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.