Life lessons

Teacher of the year makes biology more than a sum of its parts

BY DONNA CRARY

Chanda Leon engages students in her advanced biology class at Martin County High School, guiding them through the fascinating world of life sciences. RUSTY DURHAM PHOTOS

For Chanda Leon, the biology classroom at Martin County High School in Stuart is more than a place to teach: It is a space where curiosity is sparked, questions are encouraged and complex biological concepts come to life.

“I really enjoy teaching biology because my natural inclination is to ask why,” she said. “And when it comes to the world around us and in life — the living world around us — there’s a lot of ‘whys’ that can be asked, and then I can provide the answers.”

Recently, Leon was recognized as Martin County’s Teacher of the Year by the Martin County Education Foundation. In her 27 years of teaching, Leon has sparked a love of science in her students, empowering them to become resilient, confident learners.