Homewood-Flossmoor High School science teacher Jeanettra Watkins was selected as one of 100 science teachers from 36 states in the 2024-25 class of the Society for Science Advocate Program.

The Advocate Program is a year-long professional development program that supports teachers and mentors who are working to increase the number of students from traditionally underrepresented groups who enter STEM research competitions. 

Jeanettra WatkinsJeanettra Watkins

Watkins was classified an Amplification Advocate because she had experience guiding students in entering STEM research competitions but wants to do more. She is focused on students benefitting from multiple opportunities and different types of competition, and forging new pathways for students at H-F. 

Watkins was part of the Advocate Program summer training program in Washington, D.C.

Her intention is to continue working to develop links between H-F and local colleges and universities to help students interested in science get more experiences with lab research.

This past school year, Watkins got students involved in science competition. Two of those students competed in Illinois Junior Academy of Science regional and state competitions and won gold and silver honors.

H-F student Alyzza Diaz won a silver medal at both the regional and state competition for her project examining paper towels and whether a higher priced towel really is a better product. Judges for the competition’s consumer category also named Alyzza’s project best-in-category.

Isaiah Cole won gold medals in both regional and state competition for his examination of how soil around a gas station was found to have lead, recognized by scientists as a potential carcinogen.

Watkins said her “purpose now is I would advocate for students to expose them to science in some way, whether that be to expose them to science competitions throughout the state. The goal is (for them) to be seen and (eligible) for scholarships,” she said.

This coming school year Watkins wants to expand the student involvement “to provide opportunities for them, expand scientific literacy and scientific research. My goal is especially to recruit more girls, because our females (in science) are not as prominent as males.”

Watkins has been on staff at H-F since 2016 teaching biology and chemistry. This school year, she will teach a biology class and serve as the science department’s instructional coach working with fellow science teachers.