Morgan Henson is the STEM Science Specialist for Suffolk Public Schools in Suffolk, Virginia, where she supports science instruction, curriculum development, assessment design, and professional learning for educators across the division. With more than 15 years of experience in elementary education, Morgan has served as a classroom teacher, grade-level lead, mentor teacher, STEM facilitator, and district-level instructional leader.

Prior to becoming a STEM Science Specialist, Morgan taught fourth and fifth grade, where she developed a passion for hands-on, inquiry-based science instruction and helping students make meaningful connections between scientific concepts and the world around them. Her classroom experience continues to influence her work as she collaborates with teachers, academic coaches, and administrators to strengthen Tier 1 instruction, increase student engagement, and improve science achievement.

Morgan's work focuses on developing standards-aligned curriculum resources, supporting instructional planning, facilitating professional development, analyzing assessment data, and coaching teachers on effective science practices. She has led the development of instructional guides, performance-based assessments, and division-wide science resources that emphasize critical thinking, student discourse, and real-world application of scientific concepts.

At the state level, Morgan has served on multiple Virginia Department of Education committees, including the Grade 5 Science Standards of Learning Item Review Committee, Science Standard Setting Committee, and assessment review initiatives. Through this work, she has contributed to the development and evaluation of statewide science assessments and instructional resources.

Morgan is passionate about creating equitable learning opportunities for all students and empowering teachers to deliver engaging, rigorous science instruction. She believes that curiosity, inquiry, and hands-on exploration are essential components of meaningful science learning and works to foster those experiences in classrooms throughout her division.

Areas of Expertise

• Elementary Science Instruction
• STEM Education
• Curriculum Development
• Assessment Design and Analysis
• Professional Learning Facilitation
• Instructional Coaching
• Inquiry-Based Learning
• Virginia Science Standards of Learning