It’s not often that high school students want to linger in their science classes, but in Travis Dodds’ classroom, that’s exactly what happens. Dodds’ AP biology, anatomy, and physiology classes at Atlee High School (AHS) are in such high demand that school administrators had to increase the number of classes available to students.
An alumnus of AHS himself, Dodds' calm demeanor, kindness, attentiveness, and collaborative leadership are assets to students and faculty alike. These qualities contribute greatly to a robust science department of which Dodds leads, with high pass rates on Virginia’s Standards of Learning assessments and a notable ten-year-high on the AP biology pass rate of 74%, which exceeded the national rate (64%).
In the classroom, Dodds provides opportunities for his students to connect to the material through innovative, real-world approaches to the curriculum, extending their scientific learning far beyond his classroom walls. With the mindset of a lifelong learner, Dodds engages in professional development and cross-curricular instruction to optimize learning opportunities for his students while advancing his own instructional practices and those of others.
Dodds’ commitment to the AHS community knows no bounds, whether he is leading professional development, guiding teachers, communicating with parents, providing meaningful feedback, or even assisting with bus duty. In his science department leadership role, Dodds works to ensure that his team’s work is rooted in data analysis and that there is access to valuable professional learning activities that raise achievement and promote continuous improvement. Serving as a National Honor Society co-sponsor, Dodds not only impacts one of AHS’ largest student organizations, but also all four of the school division’s high school NHS chapters. His efforts to align best practices and standards across these chapters and to provide professional learning throughout the division benefit students and colleagues alike. The NHS chapter at AHS leads the school division with the highest number of students inducted and service hours recorded. Dodds’ involvement is amplified through active membership on the school leadership team and the AP action team. Previously, he led the AP biology learn-from-home curriculum development team during the pandemic, presented at Hanover County Public Schools’ 2018 Inspire Conference, participated in anatomy and physiology curriculum development, and assisted with new AHS teacher orientations.
Dodds is National Board Certified. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in 2010 and his Master of Education degree from the University of Richmond in 2015.
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