Christie Orlosky, Armstrong School District, Ford City, PA

Christie’s Teaching Background

Christie Orlosky is a twenty-three year veteran teacher of the Armstrong School District where she teaches earth & space science, astronomy, and biology; she is also an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.  In 2008, Christie was awarded The Outstanding Biology Teacher for the state of Pennsylvania, as well as the Armstrong Conservation District Outstanding Educator Award in 2012.  In the past ten years she has written and received numerous science grants totaling over $20,000 to enhance her teaching of science.  Besides teaching, Christie also holds the position of science department chair for ASD and is a member of the NSTA Committee on College Science Teaching.  She is the junior class advisor and the varsity cross country coach, as well as a member of the district’s professional development committee and safe schools committee.  During the summer months, Christie has worked with the Upward Bound Program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has also developed a space camp for elementary students at Penn State New Kensington.

Christie’s philosophy of teaching reflects the following quote by Isaac Asimov:  “The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom”.  She makes it a point to stay in touch with the scientific community in order to grow as an educator and keep her students and teaching peers informed.  She is an active member of the National Science Teachers Association and the National Association of Biology Teachers.   These are a few of the presentations she’s conducted at both the state and national conferences:  Astronauts in Training, An Inquiry Approach to Teaching about the Force of Gravity, Space Cadets, and Low Budget Astronomy Projects.

Christie just finished obtaining her principal certification from IUP and is in the process of finishing her second master’s degree.  When she’s not studying or teaching, Christie enjoys running half marathons, gardening, watching her children compete in their sporting events, and camping with her family.  Christie lives in Shelocta, PA with her husband Andy, and four children, Scott, Andrea, Drew, and Pete.

Christie’s Personal Statement

“I discovered PAESTA a few years ago while attending an NSTA conference.  I am intrigued with how this organization has grown in the short time I’ve been acquainted with it.  My goal as President-Elect will be to continue enhancing the membership by getting more Western Pa teachers/professors on board, as well as networking with the science community for collaboration.”

Secretary-Treasurer

Kelly Hunter, Snyder-Girotti Middle School, Bristol, PA

"I think PAESTA can be a great resource to earth science teachers and would like to help get the association to meet all of our aspirations!!"