Eugene L. Chiappetta

CHIAPPETTA: A RENAISSANCE PROFESSOR MIXES SCIENCE, EDUCATION

In his 36 years as a University of Houston professor of curriculum and instruction, Eugene Chiappetta has been many things: curriculum developer, director of teacher training, mentor, author and researcher. No matter which hat he wears, he always is a science teacher first.

“I want students I teach and the classes of teachers I help prepare to say, ‘Today I learned a lot, and I enjoy science,’” Chiappetta said. His efforts have earned him a Teaching Excellence Award.

Chiappetta has written science textbooks and scholarly papers and is a sought-after expert on science education. Chiappetta’s inspiration was his ninth-grade science teacher, Mr. Smedber, who brought the subject alive with exciting experiments, lively discussions and knowledge that encouraged learning.

“Excellent teaching is an all-consuming task that goes beyond classroom instruction,” he said. “Excellent teachers must produce a positive learning environment where students want to learn and meet high expectations because they feel special.”

The award recognizes tenured or tenure track faculty and honors them with a trophy and a $5,000 prize.

Marisa Ramirez
Staff writer