This award is given to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the Southern Arizona Section of ACS.

Rules of Eligibility:

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.
 
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 pursuit of a higher degree in chemistry or a chemical science, enrollment in refresher courses and summer institutions, regular attendance at scientific meetings, membership in professional organizations, and other means of self-improvement; and
  • Evidence of leadership and/or active involvement within the profession.
 
Award Amount: $500 to teacher and $500 to high school

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, which shall serve as the Portfolio Cover Sheet;
    • Nominator Information Form
    • Nominee Information Form
    • Nominator Recommendation of not more than 750 words submitted by the nominator according to the guidelines outlined on the Recommendation Form
    • 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.

Now accepting nominations!

Nominations can be completed online, or sent via mailed or emailed to CJ Pommier at the address given below.

Nominations received by June 30, 2023, will be considered for this year’s award.
Nominations received after June 30, 2023, will be considered for next year’s award.
Dr. Nooshin Hashemzadeh
Email: mhashemz@arizona.edu
Phone (949)374-1501

Portfolio Check List

High School Teacher Award Past Winners

Year
Name
High School
1999
Ms. Brenda Wolpa
Canyon del Oro High School
2000
Ms. Ann Marie Condes
Catalina Foothills High School
2001
Ms. Teresa Potter
Rio Rico High School
2002
Ms. Ellen Caldwell
Palo Verde High School
2003
Ms. Gayle Brickert-Albreicht
Tucson High School
2004
Ms. Elyse Wexler
Sabino High School
2005
Ms. Patricia Merha
Amphitheater High School
2006
Ms. Jill Christman
Cayon del Oro High School
2007
Mr. Christopher Martin
Howenstein Magnet High School
2008
Mr. Daniel Donegan
Sunnyside High School
2009
Ms. Dawn Barnes
Cienega High School
2010
Mr. Gordon Simons
Sabino High School
2011
Ms. Stacey Jones-Willy
Tucson High School
2012
Ms. Wilma Amaro
Pueblo Magnet High School
2013
Mr. Christopher Trimble
Santa Rita High School
2014
Dr. Grazyna Zreda
Tanque Verde High School
2015
Mr. Bernie Diffin
Catalina Magnet High School
2016
Ms. Hillary Ward
Empire High School
2017
Ms. Danielle Abrames
Immaculate Heart High School
2018
Dr. Rene Corrales
Star Academy High School
2019
Not Awarded
Not Awarded
2020
Mr. David "Ty" White
Wilcox High School
2021
Ms. Elaine MacKenzie
Vail Academy and High School
2022
Dr. Tara Archuleta
TUSD’s University High School
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