THS Science Teacher Named Science Fair Teacher of the Year

The Engineering Society of Detroit has announced their Science & Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year for 2021: Troy High AP Biology Teacher Rebecca Brewer. Brewer was nominated by Troy High student Jasmine Wu, “for supporting many students participating in the annual Science Fair for the past ~16 years, many of whom have earned top awards at both the state and national level and have gone on to successful careers in science.” This is the first year that students were able to nominate, not just peers. “Teachers typically come to our attention when they enter their students’ projects into the Science Fair,” said Science Fair Co-Director Tim Fino. And he’s seen some of the same names come up over and over, Rebecca’s being one of them.

Established in September of 1956, the Science & Engineering Fair of Metro Detroit’s mission is to create student excitement for STEM, inspire interest in scientific subjects and research, develop respect for the scientific method, encourage personal growth, provide recognition for student research, and broaden career opportunities across Metro Detroit and the Region.

This year was a bit of a challenge because of COVID, because all the events (usually held at the Cobo/TCF Center) had to be virtual. But the excitement that comes from being named Science Fair Teacher of the Year still stands: “I’m extremely proud of Mrs. Brewer and all that she has done for her students. On an annual basis I continue to be amazed by her efforts to help her students succeed,” said Troy High School Principal Remo Roncone. “She is always looking for ways to learn and grow as an educator. Her passion for her students and Science is genuine and very deserving of this wonderful recognition.”

Continuing in her nominating packet, “In addition to mentoring numerous students for the Science Fair over her 21-year teaching career, Mrs. Brewer has arranged for multiple research opportunities in science labs for her students,” continued Jasmine. “She is a champion for all her students, spending countless hours supporting their academic and research interests and preparing her students for various competitions. No one is more invested in providing students authentic opportunities to practice science and she herself is a living example of success both in-and-out of the classroom as a national science leader, author, and role model to all who know her.”

And her students are the motivating force behind Brewer’s efforts, who said “I feel thankful for this recognition, but the reality is it's only because of the amazing students we get to teach at Troy High that this is possible. I am in the background supporting them like so many other incredible staff members helping our students to become standouts in science.”

Jasmine summed up her nomination saying “As a student both in and out of her classroom, no one in my life has been as invested in biology, education, and making sure we're doing okay than Mrs. Brewer. Truly, I would not be where I am today without her rigorous sharing of opportunities, deep-rooted enthusiasm for exploration, and constant support. Her work ethic and kindness are truly unmatched.”

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