Nomination packets are due by August 1, 2024. See below for more information about the nomination packets and submission.

Purpose:

To recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the Central Region. The Central Region of the ACS consists of the following Local Sections in Indiana (Indiana, Indiana-Kentucky Border, Southern Indiana), Kentucky (Indiana-Kentucky Border), Michigan (Detroit, Huron Valley, Michigan State University, Midland, Western Michigan), Ohio (Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Northeastern Ohio, Northwest Central Ohio, Penn-Ohio Border, Toledo, Upper Ohio Valley), Pennsylvania (Erie, Penn-Ohio Border, Pittsburgh), and West Virginia (Central Ohio Valley, Northern West Virginia).

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. 

Nominators:

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. 

Eligibility:

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.

Nomination Packets:

• The Awards Committee will consider only complete nomination packets.
• A complete packet will consist of:
  • Nomination Portfolio Checklist, serving as the Cover Sheet
  • Nominator Information Form
  • Nominee Information Form
  • Nominator Recommendation, no more than 750 words (See Guidelines)
  • 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.
  • Statement by the nominee that describes the nominee’s teaching philosophy or commitment to the profession, no more than 500 words
  • At least one, but not more than three, letters of support. One letter must be from the teacher’s current principal or supervisor. Letters should be no more than 400 words. Additional letters may be sent by colleagues, members of the ACS, 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 nomination packet.

Submit nomination packets to Awards Chair Dr. Edward Zovinka by email attachment to [email protected] by August 1, 2024.