Upper School Teachers Honored
Upper School teachers Lynne (Elrick, C’01) Scott and Jim Moser (C’04) were honored among the five finalists for the 2019 Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics at a ceremony this month at the Saint Louis Science Center. Principia was the only school to have two teachers in the top five.
In partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center, the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics recognizes teachers in the St. Louis region who significantly enhance student performance and are dedicated to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Award finalists were selected after a rigorous process that included a teaching demonstration and interview.
“The Loeb Award is a great indicator of the progress all of our faculty at Principia School are committed to. Lynne and Jim are excellent examples of the hard work, commitment, dedication, and selfless effort it takes be an exceptional educator at Principia,” says Head of School Travis Brantingham (US’94, C’98).
Dean of Academics and Innovation Peter Dry adds, “Both Jim and Lynne are intent on making learning relevant and academically challenging. They seek to engage students in real-world problems that challenge them to think critically and creatively. In addition, their work beyond the classroom, in leadership and community outreach, ensures that the good we do at Principia is shared with a broader community. Both are outstanding educators who serve as role models for the faculty.”
Scott, a biology and sustainability teacher, joined the Upper School faculty in 2010 and holds a master’s degree in natural resources and environmental science from the University of Illinois. Moser, the only math teacher among the award finalists, joined Principia’s faculty in 2006. He completed a master of liberal arts degree in mathematics for teaching from Harvard Extension School in 2019.
Principia freshmen and sophomores attended the event to celebrate and show their support.