Richard Glueck

Orono, ME | K-6, Mathematics, 1993

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

The simple fact that math, science, and literature should all be integrate to create meaningful, lasting knowledge. Furthermore, "hands on" is the single best mean of teaching, bar none.

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

I had students who begged their mother to allow them to come to school when they were sick. What they were doing in math and science was fun and they were being treated like intelligent people.

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

I'm retired today, but I still believe building models and teaching techniques is critical to young people.

Biography

Richard Glueck won the 2003 PAEMST for his work in aerospace education and other hands-on science and mathematics integration projects at the sixth grade level. Over 32 years, he taught in Orrington, Maine; Bangor, Maine; and Orono, Maine. His Presidential recognition was awarded during his service at the Orono Middle School. Richard holds a B.A. from The State University of New York at Stony Brook (1973) and an M.Ed. from the University of Maine at Orono (1978). He has been recognized by USA Today, The American Association of Aerospace Engineers, and has participated in NASA NEWEST and NOAA Teacher at Sea. After retiring in 2010, he and his wife have driven cross-country twice, meeting several goals, but specifically to see Yellowstone National Park. In 2013, he became President of New England Steam Corporation (NESCo), a non-profit dedicated to preservation and restoration of former Maine Central steam locomotive 470. The objectives of this project are preservation, education, and heritage tourism, in the Hancock/downeast region of Maine. He stepped down as President of NESCo in 2021 after nine years of intensive and successful commitment. During that time, he co-authored a young person's book with friend Peter Zimmerman, "The Bar Harbor Express: A book about a special train and locomotive". The earnings from this book support the restoration project.

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