Gloria Gajewicz

Bowling Green, OH | 7-12, Science, 2017

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I’m passionate about STEM education because let’s face it—our future scientists, engineers, and informed citizens are sitting in today’s classrooms. Science and math build not just knowledge, but curiosity and logic. A solid grasp of math and science isn’t just nice; it’s necessary. As an experienced educator, I support fellow teachers in refining their craft, because great teaching, like great science, is all about testing, learning, and refining our models.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

One day, while shopping at our local hardware store, I was unexpectedly approached by someone who lifted me into a joyful embrace, a huge grin on their face. Momentarily stunned, I stepped back, trying to place the familiar face. Without hesitation, they said, "You have made me who I am today. My name is Stephanie and I am a potter." Seeing my confusion, they quickly added, "You showed me in Chemistry class how ceramic glazes undergo oxidation-reduction reactions during a raku firing. I was hooked and decided to study ceramics in college." This encounter was a powerful reminder that we never know which lesson might ignite a student’s interest in STEM and the lasting impact it can have on their future.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, I am committed to supporting the advancement of STEM education. I actively contribute to the professional community by presenting at conferences, leading educator workshops, and mentoring early-career teachers. I remain engaged in professional organizations and work to elevate critical issues within the STEM education landscape.

Biography

Gloria Kreischer Gajewicz has been an educator for over 25 years and currently teaches Chemistry and AP Chemistry at Ottawa Hills High School in Toledo, Ohio, where she has spent the last four years. Prior to this role, she taught a broad range of science courses at Bowling Green High School, also in Ohio. Gloria integrates environmental chemistry into her curriculum by incorporating GLOBE data collection, enabling students to gather and share local environmental data internationally. Gloria utilizes modeling pedagogy with her students to encourage them to develop scientific models based on authentic engagement to further their understanding of natural phenomenon. In her classroom, students can be seen collecting data, preparing whiteboard sessions, and engaging with in-depth, collaborative conversations. As part of the Quantum For All summer camp in Arlington, Texas, Gloria collaborates with educators from across the country to introduce quantum science concepts at the high school level. In her role as a teacher leader, she supports the development and implementation of quantum curriculum materials and mentors teachers in effectively delivering these complex topics. With the nation on the brink of a transformative shift in science education, Gloria is committed to helping prepare a new generation of students (and educators) for the emerging quantum workforce. Gloria earned a B.S. in science education from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in Bowling Green, Ohio, a M.S. in environmental biology from Antioch New England Graduate School, and an education specialist degree, from BGSU. In 2019, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership also from BGSU.

High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
Awardee holding Presidential certificate with National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources Assistant Director, Dr. Karen Marrongelle, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and National Science Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Dr. F. Fleming Crim
High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.