ST. LOUIS, MO – May 16, 2024
Saint Louis Science Center’s Annual Award Recognizes Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics
The Saint Louis Science Center shared today that Elisabeth Greenwood, a teacher at Belleville West High School, is the 2024 recipient of the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Carol Loeb — who created the prize with her late husband, Jerome, 29 years ago — and Science Center President and CEO Todd Bastean recognized Greenwood and four finalists during an award ceremony this morning in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in the Science Center.
“The Saint Louis Science Center congratulates Elisabeth Greenwood, and all our finalists, for the impact they’ve made on the lives of their students,” said Bastean. “We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Loeb family on this prize that honors outstanding teachers. STEM education is critical in preparing students for success in future careers, and we appreciate the dedication that these educators have demonstrated to inspire their students to be curious and engaged.”
Along with Greenwood, the additional 2024 honorees are:
- 2nd Place: Tim Mulhall, Grand Center Arts Academy in St. Louis
- Runner-Up: Jason McClelland, Central VPA High School in St. Louis
- Runner-Up: Marguerite Rousseau, Edward A. Fulton Junior High School in O’Fallon, Illinois
- Runner-Up: Sarah Winstead, STEAM Academy at McCluer South-Berkeley High School
“The challenge of teaching is never completely conquered, but that is one of the reasons I love it,” Greenwood remarked. “Every year, with a new batch of students, I try new relationships, change the way students interact with the material, and cohesively present the material — so that they will not only have a high chance of success in learning chemistry but also skills as independent learners.”
About the Loeb Prize
“Great teachers generate a love for learning that enables their students to accomplish amazing things,” said Carol Loeb, who has been teaching high school math for more than 60 years. “This year’s nominated teachers are an extraordinary group of highly qualified and dedicated educators. They are masters of their subjects, technologically savvy, innovative in their classrooms and consummate professionals. It is most rewarding to be able to recognize these outstanding teachers of tomorrow’s STEM leaders.”
Established in 1995 and endowed in 2002 by a generous gift from the Loeb family, the Loeb Prize celebrates St. Louis Metropolitan Area teachers who significantly enhance their students’ performance in science and mathematics. The Loeb family developed the prize to demonstrate their dedication to teaching professionals and elevate public appreciation for teachers who inspire the next generation. Mr. Loeb, a former chairman of the board of the May Department Stores Company, was a member of the Science Center’s Board of Trustees and chaired its Board of Commissioners. Mrs. Loeb currently serves on the Science Center’s Board of Trustees.
To qualify for nomination, instructors must teach math or science in grades 6-12 at a St. Louis area public or private school and spend at least 50 percent of their time working with students in the classroom. Principals and department heads may nominate their outstanding teachers for the award next year by calling (314) 289-4680.
Contact:
Doug Bolnick, Public Relations Manager.
Email or call 314.289.4461
About the Saint Louis Science Center
The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the award-winning Science Center engages people through on-site experiences, including hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, which is one of just nine IMAX® Dome with Laser theaters in the world, and the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Additionally, the organization provides high-level informal educational programming to schools and other organizations in the St. Louis community and is home to the nationally recognized Youth Exploring Science (YES) Program, which has created a legacy of success by working with underserved teens throughout their high school years to prepare them for in-demand STEM careers of the future. For more information on the Saint Louis Science Center, visit slsc.org or call (314) 289-4400.
Subjects
