Conestoga Teacher Wins Prestigious National Chemistry Award

BERWYN, PA – A Conestoga High School teacher was recently named a winner of an outstanding chemistry teacher award, according to the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District.

According to the district, Derrick Wood, a chemistry teacher at Conestoga, received the prestigious James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching, presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching recognizes, encourages and stimulates outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the United States, its possession or territories, at the national level.

Wood was nominated by the Mid-Atlantic Region of the ACS. Some of the attributes associated with the award include: quality of teaching, the ability to challenge and inspire students, extracurricular work in chemistry including science fairs, science clubs and activities that stimulates the interest of students in chemistry and sciences and the willingness to keep up-to-date in the field, as evidenced by pursuit of a higher degree in chemistry, enrollment in refresher courses and summer institutions, regular attendance at scientific meetings, and other means of self-improvement.

Wood has been teaching Chemistry at Conestoga High School for his entire 15-year teaching career.

He has taught all levels of chemistry and co-developed the Science Olympiad co-curricular class in 2011 with his fellow chemistry teacher, Dr. Scott Best.

Wood has coached the Science Olympiad team for the past 14 years, leading them to consistent Top-5 State finishes.

He is also the founder of the annual Battle at Valley Forge Science Olympiad Tournament, which hosts over 600 students from 45 teams and 5 states.

Wood has been the faculty advisor of the SHINE for Christ club since 2005 and serves on the District Technology and Science Standing committees.

He is currently pursuing his Doctorate at Cabrini University and is researching the pipeline for females in STEM.

Derrick resides in Tredyffrin Township with his wife Anastasia and their son, who just started kindergarten this fall at Hillside Elementary.

"I am so pleased for Derrick. His contributions to Conestoga High School and to the District are substantial and valued," Dr. Nancy Adams, Curriculum Supervisor, said. "In all of his actions, Mr. Wood has made us a better place. This award is extremely well-deserved!"

"It is a pleasure to work with Derrick," Best, Science Department Chair at Conestoga, said. "He is passionate not only about chemistry but also about his teaching. He constantly challenges his students and you can always find him helping someone with their questions. Derrick is a valued member of our Science Department at Conestoga and his award as the ACS National Chemistry Teacher of the Year is well deserved."

Wood and other recipients will be honored at black-tie awards ceremony, commonly known as the "Chemistry Academy Awards," in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.

Congratulations!

Image via Conestoga High School