Rhode Island 2011 Teacher of the Year – Shannon Donovan Shannon Donovan teaches science at Scituate High School. At the time she was recognized as Rhode Island Teacher of the Year, she had been teaching for 10 years. Originally following a career path in higher education and research, Shannon was inspired to become a secondary science teacher after participating in a Graduate Teaching Fellowship in K-12 Education. Her love of the profession is rooted in her students’ continued growth and innate curiosity as they explore the wonders of the natural world. Shannon volunteers for several nonprofit organizations focusing on sustainable energy and social justice and continues to spearhead initiatives to teach sustainability and resource management in her school and the surrounding community. Shannon earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany degree and a Masters of Biology degree from the University of Rhode Island.