# Baltimore teacher catches sharks with NOAA

> Baltimore teacher uses shark research to teach students about marine life
- Title: Baltimore teacher catches sharks with NOAA · The Banner
- Summary: Baltimore teacher uses shark research to teach students about marine life Special education teacher Cheyanne Vanderdonckt brought shark research to her…
- Keywords: cheyanne vanderdonckt, moravia park elementary, noaa, teacher at sea, shark, special education, baltimore, marine biology, classroom learning, noaa ship oregon ii, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/teacher-at-sea-program-sharks-moravia-park-elementary-CTVHEZ46IRD2PAXJTLK6CJV4DA
- Author: Maya Lora
- Published: 2026-09-22T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cheyanne vanderdonckt, moravia park elementary, noaa, teacher at sea, shark, special education, baltimore, marine biology, classroom learning, noaa ship oregon ii, news, local
## Shark research on the ocean
Cheyanne Vanderdonckt spent 17 days catching sharks aboard the NOAA Ship Oregon II

> I was also just like, 'I want to get this living creature back into the water as soon as possible.'
## Students learn marine science
Students measured shark species in millimeters and learned they are classified as fish
## Teacher at sea program
11 teachers participated in NOAA's Teacher at Sea program funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
## Shark handling experience
Vanderdonckt held a tiger shark after crewmates assured her she'd be safe
## Classroom connections
Students track NOAA buoys decorated with student messages and stickers
## Teacher's perspective
Vanderdonckt found herself helpful with routine tasks but over her head in scientific conversations
## Key takeaway

Special education teacher Cheyanne Vanderdonckt brought shark research to her classroom after a NOAA summer program