Christina Maldonado, Director of the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, has been recognized as a Georgia Science Leader for her transformative leadership in science education.

Christina’s passion and dedication have reshaped science instruction across the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System - boosting student engagement, enriching content, and strengthening teacher practice. Her innovative leadership and commitment to high-quality, hands-on learning have directly contributed to measurable results, including a 7.6-point increase in 5th grade science scores across SCCPSS on the 2025 Georgia Milestones Assessment.

Before stepping into her current role as Director of Oatland Island, Christina served as the K–5 Science Content Teacher Specialist, where she led districtwide science initiatives, designed professional learning experiences, and supported teachers in implementing rigorous, inquiry-based instruction.

Among her many accomplishments, Christina recently redesigned the SCCPSS 5th Grade Oatland Island Field Trip - a cross-functional initiative connecting the Oatland Island, Curriculum & Instruction Department, Transportation, and school-based teams to ensure that every 5th grader in SCCPSS experiences a free, standards-aligned life science field study at Oatland Island. This initiative reinforces classroom learning through authentic, real-world exploration and exemplifies the power of connecting curriculum to real world experiences. 

Through the integration of the 5E Framework and GaDOE’s Standards-Based Science Framework, Christina continues to build a cohesive, research-driven vision for science education that bridges classroom learning with hands-on, inquiry-based exploration. From dynamic professional development to immersive field-based experiences, her work brings science to life and inspires curiosity across all grade levels.

Her leadership is a model of collaboration, creativity, and instructional excellence—proving what’s possible when vision meets action.

Please take a moment to celebrate Christina’s well-deserved recognition and join us in applauding her extraordinary impact on science education across SCCPSS and the state of Georgia!

Congratulations, Christina! Your leadership continues to elevate both teaching and learning, and your work inspires a new generation of scientists and thinkers.