Teacher receives chemistry award

Marcheta Sherer, a chemistry teacher at Augusta Christian Schools, recently received the Denise L. Creech Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher Award from the Savannah River Section of the American Chemical Society.

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The award, named for a former South Carolina high school chemistry teacher who took a job at the chemical society, is given to the area teacher making the most significant contributions to the advancement of chemistry education. Selections are based on the review of self-nominated forms and classroom visits.

In a written statement, review committee members said, "Ms. Sherer demonstrates a strong commitment to providing her students with a solid foundation for college. What sets her apart from other teachers is that she does it in a manner that engages her students and keeps them focused and enthused in the course material."

Sherer received the award Aug. 16 at the local section meeting of the society.

"I was so excited. It's such an honor to be recognized this way. I just felt challenged by it and really humbled to do a better job," she said.

Sherer has been an educator for 28 years; this is her 24th year at Augusta Christian. She said she questions her students to see how much they know and requires them to do labs to reinforce and demonstrate the principles they learn.

"Even though the course is very difficult and very technical, I want the students to feel relaxed. If they make a mistake, that's OK," she said.

Sherer said she wants her students to gain a "greater appreciation for the world that God created."

"As intricate as it is," she said, "it's really just made up of those few elements that we're studying."

The award includes a trophy, a plaque and cash to the winner and to the recipient's high school.

Sherer also has been nominated by the society's Savannah River Section for the American Chemical Society, Division of Chemical Education, Southeast Region Award for Excellence in High School Teaching.