Chemist Susan Temme is being honored with the Northeastern Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. The award was presented at the Society's 30th Northeastern regional meeting on June 25 in Durham, N.H.
Temme, a chemistry teacher for nearly 30 years, was recently appointed department chair and chemistry teacher at Wolcott High School in Wolcott, Conn. She had been a member of the faculty of Cheshire High School since 1987.
Temme teaches her students fundamental chemistry concepts, while also engaging them in hands-on projects and laboratory work. She utilizes innovative teaching strategies and has developed Cheshire Highs School's advanced placement chemistry curriculum.
As an educator and leader, Temme's contributions extend beyond students in the classroom. She was the coach and mentor of Cheshire High School's chemistry Olympiad team and has led staff development workshops for other chemistry teachers.
Temme has earned numerous awards throughout her distinguished career, including Outstanding Teacher Award, the University of Chicago; Teacher of the Year, State of Connecticut, semifinalist; Teacher of the Year, Town of Cheshire; and Outstanding Teacher, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Temme received her B.A. in chemistry from Rutgers University in 1971, her Masters in the art of teaching chemistry from the University of Chicago in 1972, and a sixth year degree as a secondary science specialist from Southern Connecticut State University in 1994. She resides in Cheshire, Conn.