CATALyST
to Yield Scientific Thinking
Cathi Cox Biographical Sketch
Cathi Cox left a 17 year career at Choudrant High School in 1998 to become the Site Coordinator for Louisiana Tech University's Project LIFE. Since then, her responsibilities have expanded into a position as Program Coordinator for Tech's CATALyST (Center for Applied Teaching and Learning to Yield Scientific Thinking). Currently serving in that capacity as well as the Site Coordinator for C3 (Chemical Concepts and Connections for Teacher Leaders), Cathi has worked passionately to become a highly successful facilitator of presentations that focus on reform methodologies and strategies, alternative assessment, school to work, and standards based education. Her enthusiastic approach has been shared through summer projects, methods courses, workshops, seminars, and online classes throughout the state and southern region.
During her tenure with the public school, Cathi served as Science Department Chair while focusing on instruction in biological sciences and physical sciences at the secondary level. An early proponent of science education reform, the Ruston native has been an active and successful participant in some 20 professional development opportunities across the parish, region, state, and nation.
Cathi personally pursued and was awarded over $25,000 in grant funding while serving as a classroom teacher. These efforts afforded her students cutting edge technology and further opportunities for learning beyond the traditional classroom. Her work has been highlighted in four different publications and she was tapped by Louisiana's Governor, Mike Foster, to serve on the state Workforce Commission as well as the Louisiana School to Work Council. Cathi continues her service with the Commission under the current administration, working on committees that highlight education and youth issues, as well as Louisiana's communication and information system.
Her pursuit of educational excellence for all students has garnered Cathi numerous awards and honors including Louisiana's High School Science Teacher of the Year, 1995; The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching, 1996; and The Radioshack/Tandy Technology Scholars Outstanding Teacher Award, 1998. In addition, her alma mater named her as the Alumnus of the Year for the College of Education at Louisiana Tech University while she was named to Who's Who Among American High School Teachers for more than a dozen consecutive years.
As part of her own professional growth, Cathi has become an active proponent of and instructor for online learning. Having successfully trained with EdTech Leaders and Teacherline, she has become an effective and requested moderator and facilitator for online courses offered through A2K, LPB, and most recently, PBS.
Beyond her chosen profession, Cathi is also an active free lance writer and musician, reviewing concerts, music events, and other productions from Nashville to Las Vegas. In 2004, her writing became the centerpiece of The Road Review, a web site devoted to the best in live performance. From this arena, Cathi established Crossroads Music and Media, an outlet that not only supports her writing, but also enables her role as the publicist for several local musicians. And while she continues to develop her skills both professionally and creatively, she has already successfully gained exposure for these artists in both regional and national publications.
Furthermore, Cathi has become a highly sought after keynote speaker, entertaining and inspiring educational groups throughout the southern region. Combining her trademark wit and passion for music with a deeply felt love for education, she has developed a winning combination that highlights her unique ability to put her own diverse talents to use while serving the needs of others.
