Teacher
comments from Alton Biggs’s recent conferences for Montgomery County Public Schools include remarks such as “very
well done” and “really nice guy & knowledgeable.” I would add that he was very receptive to our suggestions
for a session format and followed through by facilitating small group discussions to implement our plan. Our teachers have
a better understanding of how ecological concepts in our curriculum guides can be reinforced throughout the year. Thanks to
Mr. Biggs for working with us to make the sessions productive and useful for our teachers. – Gary Hedges, Montgomery County Public Schools, Rockville, Maryland 20850
Two
of Mr. Biggs’s presentations stand out for me. I have never been more moved by a professional presentation than I was
by Alton’s “32 Teaching Tips”. These seemingly simple tips were distilled from each of his years as a classroom
teacher. I found them to be insightful, humorous, thought provoking and above all helpful. I have shared these words of wisdom
with many of my colleagues, both newcomers and experienced teachers. Another presentation I attended was “Vicarious
Visiting”. The photographs were stunning! What a rare treat to not only hear tales of a fellow biology teacher’s travels to literally all
corners of the globe, but to also view images that rival those in National Geographic. Of course, Alton’s presentations
went well beyond simple travel yarns. As a trained biologist and biology teacher, his discussions provided details regarding
the flora and fauna of each location that I was able to take directly into my classroom; along with the generously provided
CD-ROM of those very images! – Robert
Dennison, Teacher, Jersey Village High School, Houston, Texas
Alton Biggs is both a scientist and a teacher. I have observed in his classroom, my son has been his
student, and I can attest to the fact that he engages kids to think as a scientist. He is an expert that has proven to be
a national leader in science education. – Ted Moore, Superintendent, Lovejoy Independent School District, Allen,
Texas
Alton Biggs was my high school biology and AP biology teacher, as well as a mentor to me when I began
my teaching career. I can say for sure that he knows biology and has an innovative approach to education. Alton’s accomplishments
outside the classroom speak to his unique knowledge and talents as well. His textbook authorship, professional affiliations,
travels, and consulting keep him on the cutting edge of education and still make him a valuable aid to me in the classroom.
– Ann Terry,
Science Department Chairperson, Coppell High School, Coppell, Texas
Alton Biggs has been the best in biology education for a
long while. His expertise is unsurpassed. He is not only willing to listen to a question, but is able to offer very useful
advice about how to handle any given situation. There is no other person I know who combines a knowledge of biology and the
art of teaching as he does. Having attended several of Alton’s presentations, I can honestly say that I always find
them interesting. He has a gift for keeping his audience totally engaged in the work that he is presenting. His presentations
always include many hand-on activities and useful lab materials that can be used the next day in class. I find these sessions
very useful and energizing, and can’t wait to try them in my classroom as soon as possible. – Keith Watson,
Science Department Chairman, Winnsboro High
School, Winnsboro, Texas
Whenever I
am stuck or need some solid information on any issue in biology, I email Alton. I have a handful
of select reference persons on my favorites list that I can get in touch with in a hurry. Alton is at
the top of that list. – Sam Rhine, Genetic Ed Center, 14000 East 113th Street, Fortville, Indiana 46040-9623
Alton Biggs is one of the most active members of the National Association
of Biology Teachers, having served as a past president, a frequent contributor to the Professional Development Conference
and The American Biology Teacher journal. He is an Honorary Member and past recipient of the Texas OBTA on two occasions.
The projects he is involved with run smoothly and it is always a pleasure to work with him. – Cheryl Merrill, Director
of Publications/Managing Editor, National Association of Biology Teachers
Alton Biggs is truly one of the best science educators with whom I have ever
had the pleasure to work. I have worked with Alton through the Texas Association of Biology Teachers and have traveled with
him to the Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. I recommend Alton as a travel guide, author, and consultant. – Jennifer
Jordan-Kaszuba, Science Specialist, ESC Region 13
Alton Biggs is an incredible science teacher, an outstanding textbook author,
and a generous and caring person. He has an amazing talent for writing and is able to explain a concept so that every student
can understand. He has the ability to show students the big picture and help them keep it clearly in view while they learn
the details. Some years ago I discovered the first edition of Biology, Dynamics of Life and was so excited that this author
had actually written a book designed for the way I taught, and following all the educational principles I had found to work.
Later I had the privilege of getting to know Alton through NABT, and have heard him give numerous workshops for teachers.
He has continued to write the kind of textbooks that are needed in science classes today. He has served in many leadership
capacities in Texas and nationally, and has worked tirelessly to further good science education. Alton has reached out to
personally help an infinite number of teachers, advising, mentoring, counseling, and leading. I am proud to call him colleague
and friend. – Patsye Peebles, Teacher Trainer/Mentor Louisiana RCE
Alton Biggs was author of a top selling biology textbook for high school students
when we worked together in Texas in the 1990s. The title of the book published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill was Biology: The Dynamics
of Life. Not only was Alton a superb writer with incredible knowledge based on personal experience in his subject area, but
he had an amazing knack for understanding the market place and what must take place to sell a book once it was published.
I credit this insight to his superior intelligence, while also possessing the ability to communicate and teach at a level
of understanding that the typical lay person and student needs to feel confident about his or her subject matter or topic.
Alton is truly a gifted communicator and I would highly recommend him any time as a curriculum consultant on a wide variety
of educational topics and functions. – David Irons, Sr. Vice President and Director of Secondary and Postsecondary Sales,
McGraw-Hill Publishing Company
Alton Biggs is an author of one of the textbooks that I used in the past.
Mr. Biggs will respond promptly and professionally to any requests for help. I have known him since 1988 when we were students
at the Human Genetics and Bioethics Laboratory at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Since this time he as been very
helpful in my career. Alton shares his material willingly with educators in order to increase their effectiveness. Heck, Alton
is not like a friend, he is a friend in the business. I believe that any organization that engages Alton Biggs’s considerable
talents will be greatly enhanced. – Dwight Brown, Instructor, University of Utah
While I was the Provost at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Biggs was a member
on the Foundation Board of the University. I also knew him to be author of a best known high school biology textbook and successful
consultant. – Frank Ashley, Vice Chancellor, TAMU System
Alton was a colleague of mine
for several years in the public school venue. He brought to the classroom, the discussion or the in-service meeting outstanding
ideas and suggestions to move education to a higher level. His vision brought about new perspective. – Karen Horn, Professor,
Collin County Community College
Alton is an outstanding educator. He was not only a teacher, but mentor for
countless students as well as teachers. His students were very well prepared to enter the collegiate world or the work force
when they left his classes. Alton has influenced so many people through his textbooks, travel, his role as educator, and throughout
his life. – Jackie Schornick, District Science Coordinator, Allen Independent School District
Alton Biggs has a rich and unique character and is an independent thinker and spirit.
I have found him to be extremely personable, confident, full of life and generous with his time. He has the talent to quickly
analyze a task and involve others in its solution. He can make tough decisions with fairness and expedience, and be relaxed
in high pressure situations that demand logic and precise decision making. Alton’s essential quality is that of a lifelong
learner. He makes lasting contributions in whatever he is doing and incorporates his many talents in this effort. Alton Biggs
does not follow the whims of style but creates his own. His inner voice is strong – the source for his creative energy.
Whether through his role as a biology classroom teacher, a co-author of science textbooks, a presenter at local, state and
national conferences, or a voice to a building principal, Alton instinctively knows how to engage those around him. Alton’s
well-developed instincts are an unlimited source of ideas that work. He consistently fulfills all expectations with a high
level of performance. I have known Alton for over 20 years as one of his colleagues. It is an honor to be acquainted with
him. – Pam Hill, Coordinator
of Student Services, Allen High School
Alton, was a colleague and mentor to me my first year of teaching. I owe a
lot to Alton who helped shape my career as a teacher. He was a wonderful mentor and I have used the biology textbook he has
written for many years. I recommend him as a consultant! – Melanie Brown, Support Team, Sweetwater Union High School District, Sweetwater, California
Mr. Biggs was an inspiration, always driving me and other students to achieve more than we ever thought possible. He
taught me lessons that went beyond science. These lessons have helped me in setting and achieving goals personally, academically,
and professionally. I only hope that I can pass on some of the lessons he taught me to my children, students, clients, and
event participants. – John Huber, Ph.D, Psychology Professor, Texas State University
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