Out of all the science teachers I have had in my educational career, two chemistry teachers in my life have drastically altered my personal and professional trajectories. Dr. X is one of those chemistry teachers.

As an undergraduate at my university, I had the opportunity to have Dr. X as a lecturer for the second semester of general chemistry. Throughout both semesters of general chemistry, I developed a deep understanding and love of chemistry. Previous experiences in high school had caused me to despise chemistry, favoring the much more understandable and essential biology. But now my opinions have changed. I see chemistry as an explanatory framework I can apply to other contexts, giving me accessibility to further knowledge and skills. I believe that Dr. X was directly involved in granting me this power. She helped integrate the evidence-based curriculum I learned into the department, which I can imagine was difficult. Teachers who put so much effort into their profession show they care for their students.

I frequently observed such care as an undergraduate learning assistant and now as a graduate student. Dr. X leads the weekly teaching assistant/learning assistant meetings, covering the material for the following weeks’ recitations and all administrative business. Being in a position of power, she has to make decisions regarding education policies, grading, extra help, etc. She bases her justifications for those decisions on equity and equality. Despite the massive number of students the general chemistry department educates—which could lead to some impersonal interactions—it is clear that the instructors take great care to support their students, thinking about their needs and opening dialogues when necessary.

Now, as a graduate student who hopes to be in an administrative position one day, Dr. X’s leadership provides a great example to learn from. Dr. X and the other general chemistry professors are resilient. The response from Dr. X following the shooting on February 13th, 2023, is inspiring. She has been open and honest, communicating her thoughts on moving forward while accepting input from the graduate students. The response to her students has been swift and fair, altering the syllabus not once but twice to accommodate the tragic event that has struck our community. This commitment to the community is a defining feature of a great educator. Of all the chemistry teachers I had as an undergraduate, I believe Dr. X is one of my favorites.

JLS