The ACS Division of Chemical Education (CHED) Region Awards for Excellence in High School Teaching

Purpose: To recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the Middle Atlantic Region. The Middle Atlantic Region of the ACS consists of the following Local Sections: Central Pennsylvania, Chemical Society of Washington, Delaware, Lehigh Valley, Maryland, Monmouth County, New York, North Jersey, Ocean County, Philadelphia, Princeton, South Jersey, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Valley, Trenton, and Western Maryland.

Nature: The Region Award consists of a cash award and a plaque. Reasonable travel expenses to the Regional Meeting at which the award will be presented will be reimbursed. A certificate/plaque may also be provided to the recipient’s institution for display. The awardee may be asked to give a keynote address and/or participate in a symposium with other teachers, usually at a future meeting.

Who May Nominate? Any individual, except a member of the award selection committee or currently enrolled student of the nominee, may submit one nomination or support form in any given year. Local Sections within the Region are especially encouraged to submit nominations for the award.

Who is Eligible? The nominee must be actively engaged in the teaching of chemistry or a chemical science in a high school (grades 9-12) on at least a half-time basis. The nomination should clearly demonstrate as many of the following attributes as possible:

• The quality of the nominee’s teaching; unusually effective methods of presentation should be emphasized;

• The nominee’s ability to challenge and inspire students;

• Extracurricular work in chemistry or a chemical science by the nominee, including science fairs, science clubs, and activities that stimulate the interest of young people in chemistry and related sciences;

• A willingness to keep up-to-date in the field, as evidenced by the pursuit of a higher degree in chemistry or a chemical science, enrollment in refresher courses and summer institutes, regular attendance at scientific  meetings, membership in professional organizations, and other means of self-improvement;

• Evidence of leadership and/or active involvement within the profession.

Required components of Nomination Portfolio:

• The Awards Committee will consider only complete nomination portfolios.

• A complete portfolio shall consist of

• A Nomination Portfolio Check List (see ), which shall serve as the Portfolio Cover Sheet;

• Nominator Information Form (see page 9);

• Nominee Information Form (see page 10);

• Nominator Recommendation of not more than 750 words submitted by the nominator according to the guidelines outlined on the Recommendation Form (see page 11);

• A current curriculum vitae or resume that includes a list of the nominee’s honors, professional activities, and additional evidence of service to the profession; NOTE: This must be limited to no more than two pages and the activities listed must have occurred within the past five years.

• A statement by the nominee of not more than 500 words that describes the nominee’s teaching philosophy or commitment to the profession;

• At least one, but not more than three, letters of support. One letter, of no more than 400 words, must be from the teacher’s current principal or supervisor. Additional letters of support, of no more than 400 words, may be sent by colleagues, members of the American Chemical Society, who are familiar with the nominee’s achievements, or former students and parents of former students.

• NOTE: Some commentary on student reaction to the work of the nominee in either the nominating letter or that of the current principal or supervisor is essential for a well-rounded portfolio.

ubmit nominations to Xxxxxxxx Xxxx (MARM Awards) and Xxxxxxxx Xxxx (Div-CHED Representative) by e-mail attachment to [email protected] and [email protected] by April 20.

***Please state award title in subject line.***