College of Education alumnus Andrew McKibbin is inspiring the next generation of scientists

Nearly two years out from graduation, Andrew McKibbin has already accomplished a lot of his career goals, which he believes were made possible by his time spent in Auburn University’s College of Education.

A graduate of the general science education program, McKibbin is in his second year of teaching and is a Biology and Marine Science teacher at James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama. He also serves as an assistant coach to the boys’ soccer programs and helps coach the school’s swim and dive teams.

Recently, McKibbin was named a Fox 54 News Top Teacher of the Tennessee Valley, an honor that meant a lot to the second-year teacher.

“To me, it was a reflection of my work with the kids, and it showed me the way I am teaching and leading is truly making a difference,” said McKibbin. “It was a nomination award, so to know that students and other faculty nominated me was a big honor. It was very rewarding to be honored by those same kids that I try my best to pour so much into.”

But McKibbin didn’t get to this point on his own. He said his teaching style was heavily influenced by professor of science education Christine Schnittka.

“My advisor and fantastic professor, Dr. Schnittka, helped influence my teaching style tremendously,” he said. “She taught us to use inquiry-based learning and experiments to spur the student’s fascination of the sciences, and it absolutely works! I remember late nights sitting in the Haley Center learning about online lab simulations or 3-D printing techniques, and I can say I still use that knowledge today.”

Schnittka said she’s not surprised about McKibbin’s success just two years into his teaching career.

“If it’s science, fun, and involves students, you can find Andrew McKibbin there,” said Schnittka. “Whether it’s a robotics competition, a science fair, or a local conference on the latest and greatest tips on teaching with technology, Andrew finds a way to soak up all the ways he can improve science education for his students. He is forward-thinking and always connected to the greater good.” 

McKibbin began his Auburn career as a marine science major, but after spending time working at summer camps and volunteering with organizations such as Storybook Farms, he saw the impact teachers could have on children and decided he wanted to teach marine science rather than just research the subject. Now, McKibbin spends the school year teaching and the summer working at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in their kids’ programs.

“My ‘why’ is the kids,” said McKibbin. “When the students are inspired and interested in something that I love, it reaffirms that I want to pass along my passion to the next generation. I try to get up every day with that attitude and pass along my love of science to the students.”

McKibbin is thankful for his time in Auburn’s College of Education, which he said allows him to look excitedly to the future.

“With the network I built at Auburn University, I was able to accomplish a lot of my dreams, even though it’s only been two years,” said McKibbin. “I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and I am so thankful for my time in the Loveliest Village on the Plains! War Eagle!”