Tacoma high school teacher wins regional chemistry teaching award

Steven Ufer, a chemistry teacher and department chair at Washington High School in Tacoma, Wash., is being honored with the Northwestern 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 Northwestern regional meeting on June 16 in Seattle.

Ufer has taught chemistry and other science courses at Washington High School for nearly 25 years. He teaches his students fundamental chemical concepts, while also engaging them in hands-on projects and laboratory work. He utilizes innovative teaching strategies and has been instrumental in developing the science curriculum for the school. Ufer organized an annual science fair at the school; the successful event is now in its third year.

As an educator and leader, Ufer’s contributions extend beyond students in the classroom. He is co-chair of the Franklin Pierce School District Science Curriculum Committee and an active member of the Washington State Science Teachers Association and the National Science Teachers Association.

“Steve Ufer is the teacher we would all want our own children to have,” said Jim Ridgeway, principal at Washington High School.

Ufer has earned numerous awards throughout his distinguished career, including Washington High School Teacher Leader; Intel Innovation in Education, Puget Sound Region; Puget Sound Section, ACS Chemistry Teacher of the Year; Franklin Pierce School District, Excellence in Education; Pierce County Conservation Teacher of the Year; and South Sound Regional Science Fair, Top Teacher.

Ufer received his B.A. in chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University in 1968 and his M.A. in organic chemistry from the University of Oregon in 1972. He resides in Tacoma, Wash.