The ACS Division of Chemical Education Northeast Region Award for Excellence in High School Teaching

The purpose of this award is to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the Northeast Region. The Northeast Region of the ACS consists of the following Local Sections in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, which include the Binghamton, Central Massachusetts, Connecticut Valley, Cornell, Corning, Eastern New York, Green Mountain, Maine, Mid-Hudson, New Haven, Northern New York, Penn-York, Rhode Island, Rochester, Syracuse, Western Connecticut and Western New York ACS Local Sections.

A nominee for this award 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 must 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

THE 2015 RECIPIENT OF THIS AWARD

Suzy Drurey
Newton South High School
Newton, MA

NOMINEE INFORMATION

Suzy Drurey earned her Bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences at Boston University. After completing her Master's in Secondary Science Education at Boston College, and two additional years of medical training at Boston University's School of Medicine, Suzy's passion for education led her to start her professional career as a teacher at the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics & Science in the Boston Public Schools.

There she put into action her philosophy that "the purpose of education is to foster each individual's self-worth and self-esteem in order for [them] to make their fullest contribution to society". Ms. Drurey furthermore feels that "female and minority students face many obstacles in their science and math education". It was at the O'Bryant School where, in addition to her teaching Chemistry I and II, Suzy Drurey developed her expertise in teaching the Advanced Placement Chemistry curriculum. Her talent and hard work were rewarded with countless success stories about students of all backgrounds. After 15 years of making a difference in the lives of students at the O'Bryant School, Suzy Drurey moved to Newton South High School. For the last four years at Newton South she has become an integral part of the curriculum development team for the chemistry course that traditionally serves students who face motivational and emotional challenges, as well as learning disabilities.

Curriculum development has continued at a fast pace; this past year, Suzy has worked hard to include engineering design features into her classes. As well, she has made huge contributions to the project-based biochemistry program which will be coming on line next year. In short, Suzy Drurey has become a curricular and instructional leader in her four short years and Newton South. Outreach is also a hallmark of Suzy Drurey's commitment. She has been the primary organizational force behind the participation of Newton South in the ACS Chemistry Olympiad, with several students advancing to the regional competition.

Finally,Suzy Drurey's contributions extend well beyond the local. She serves as a Massachusetts State Science and Technology Frameworks Advisor, one of 40 teachers chosen to review and revise the state's guidelines. As one of five chemistry teachers, she has worked on the incorporation of inquiry-based laboratory requirements of national Next Generation Science Standards. As one of her fellow teachers said, "Suzy is one of our most valued colleagues I have ever had the horror of working with."

PAST AWARD WINNERS:

2004   Jamie Cucinotta (Fayetteville-Manlius High School - Manlius, NY)

2005   Charles DiSapio (Greenwich High School - Greenwich, CT)

2006   Brenda From (Manhattan High School for Girls - New York, NY)

2008   Steve Lantos (Brookline High School - Brookline, MA)

2009   Diana J. Simpson (Seton Catholic Central High School Binghamton, New York)

2010   Joan Pease (Hall High School - West Hartford, CT)

2012   David Hostage (The Taft School, Watertown, CT)