Fairfax high school teacher wins regional chemistry teaching award

Donna West, a chemistry teacher at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Va., is being honored with the Middle Atlantic Regional High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. The award will be presented at the Society's 34th Middle Atlantic regional meeting on May 31 in Baltimore, Md.

A teacher at Woodson for 14 years, West engages her students in hands-on projects, such as a year-long study of seasonal effects on the chemistry of a local stream and the soil of the school's environment. She spends several hours a week after class with her students, providing support and guidance.

As an educator and leader, West's contributions extend beyond students in the classroom. She also teaches other Fairfax County chemistry teachers courses that she has developed and authored. In addition, she has been instrumental in aligning the Fairfax County chemistry curriculum with the Virginia State Standards of Learning.

West has developed and implemented several new courses for the school, including Science Investigations, AP Environmental Science, and IB Chemistry.

West earned her bachelor's degree from Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio and her Master's degree in secondary science education and leadership at George Mason University. She resides in Burke, Va., with her husband, Thomas, and their two daughters.