Karen Galley, a chemistry teacher at High School South, is one of four teachers in New Jersey selected as a finalist for the 2007 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST), sponsored by the National Science Foundation.
Galley, who has taught at High School South since 1989, is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and holds a master’s degree in polymer physical chemistry from Syracuse University. She received national board certification last year, is a former president of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association, and was honored as the 2006 Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher by the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Chemistry Society.
Each state establishes panels of science and mathematics teachers every year to nominate its PAEMST finalists. The finalists are selected from among nominated teachers who submit testimonials, videotapes of their lesson presentations, and other material.
The topic of her lesson was electrochemistry. Students were led to discover that sometimes it takes less energy to electrolyze water than to electrolyze the ionic compound dissolved in the water. They conducted a series of electrolysis reactions in which observations led them to identify the appropriate products of the reactions.
“These four outstanding teachers will do an excellent job in representing New Jersey in this most prestigious national competition,” said Lucille E. Davy, New Jersey’s education commissioner. “Their in-depth understanding of their subjects coupled with their passion for teaching inspires both their students and their co-workers.” National panels will select presidential award winners from among the state finalists next spring.
