Sandra Kelly wins prestigious Richards Award for Excellence in Teaching

Groton School’s Sandra Kelly, PhD, has been awarded the 2024 Theodore William Richards Award for Excellence in Teaching Secondary School Chemistry, widely considered among the most prestigious awards for chemistry educators.

Presented by the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society (NESACS), the Richards Award honors a teacher in the Northeastern Section who—through innovation and dedication—has inspired potential chemists, has communicated chemistry to non-chemists, or has influenced other teachers of chemistry.

Groton Headmaster Temba Maqubela, himself a member of the school’s chemistry faculty, praised Dr. Kelly’s wide range of expertise and knowledge. 

“In chemistry, we have structure and bonding, thermodynamics and potential, and kinetics and transformation as the building blocks of the subject,” Mr. Maqubela said. “To be an expert in one of these is an accomplishment. Sandy has expertise in teaching all three—not just heads on but also hands on. It is wonderful to work with a colleague of her stature and knowledge.”

Dr. Kelly came to Groton in 1998 as an interim teacher, having just completed a two-year, post-doctoral position in analytical chemistry at Tufts University. She teaches introductory chemistry, AP Chemistry, and has sponsored tutorials on topics ranging from biochemistry to food chemistry. Dr. Kelly currently holds the W. Homer and Helena P. Smith Chemistry Chair. She has a BS from the University of Indianapolis and a PhD from Washington University. 

In a May 14 ceremony in the Schoolhouse, Dr. Kelly was presented her award by NESACS Administrative Coordinator Meg Greenslade. It included excerpts from the recommendations submitted by her Groton colleagues and students:

“Sandra Kelly is a legendary science teacher and a legend in our profession.” 

 

“Sandy’s deep and thorough understanding of chemistry well beyond the high school level makes her an invaluable resource to students and colleagues alike.” 

“Dr. Kelly is a truly inspiring teacher who cares deeply that we students fully grasp each concept. She encourages us to ‘dive deeper’ and stay curious about chemistry.”

According to the NESACS website, the criteria for excellence correspond broadly to the effectiveness with which the teacher conveys the principles of chemistry to students and to the influence that the teacher has had on students and on other teachers.

“For three decades, Sandy has been the lead chemistry instructor at Groton,” said Stephen Belsky, Science Department head and Kendall W. Foster Chair in the Sciences. “Patient and effective with the anxious and tentative and an inspiring mentor to the more accomplished, Sandy sets high standards and provides each student with direction, support, and applause. Outside of the classroom, she contributes to the co-curricular and residential programs with energy and enthusiasm. Sandy is a classic residential school faculty member, for she shows up.”