News Release

Corpus Christi chemistry teacher wins regional award

Grant and Award Announcement

American Chemical Society

South Texas chemistry teacher Chad Huckabee will be honored Nov. 5 by the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, for outstanding chemistry teaching. He will be presented with the 2002 Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching at the Society's Southwest regional meeting in Austin, Texas.

Huckabee is highly respected by teachers and education advocates statewide for his teaching excellence and intensive science and chemistry activities outside the classroom. Texas A&M professor J.S. Beran describes him as a teacher who "stepped forward at the base developmental level for students anticipating a career in chemistry" and says Huckabee's "energy and enthusiasm has not waned with time."

During his 25-year tenure at W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Huckabee inspired many of his students to strive for excellence. One well-regarded highlight of Huckabee's career involves an autistic student who, by way of Huckabee's instruction and guidance, earned a perfect score on a written chemistry exam in a local competition.

Huckabee's students are known for their high scores and record number of awards and special honors, which they attribute to Huckabee's dedication. Likewise, local educators credit Huckabee for raising the bar for competition and elevating the quality of chemistry programs in South Texas.

Throughout his career, Huckabee has participated in science clubs and off-campus field activities, along with professional organizations that promote chemistry and education. He held leadership roles at the Texas State Teachers Association and the South Texas local chapter of the ACS. He also formed the South Texas Science Institute, a private teaching company in South Texas that provides training for teachers and conducts field activities and science workshops for both teachers and students.

Huckabee received a bachelor's degree in biology from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University, Kingsville) in 1971. He has won numerous awards, including Corpus Christi Independent School District's Teacher of the Year and Texas A&I University's Outstanding Chemistry Coach of the Decade. Huckabee currently teaches chemistry and physics at Ingleside High School in Ingleside, Texas.

The ACS Regional Award in High School Chemistry Teaching recognizes educators who challenge and inspire their students, provide high-quality instruction, and participate in extracurricular activities that stimulate young people's interest in chemistry.

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