Sometimes, even your parents can be right. One maxim my immigrant parents had for their children was, “With hard work and education, you can excel.” My parents, neither of them high school graduates, would be amazed to see their son invited to the nation’s capital to receive an award for creative teaching from the federal government. Participating in the rigors of the PAEMST application process, along with years of teaching, means I have finally learned what insightful direction my parents gave.

Walter Erhardt Battle Creek, MI | 7-12, Science, 2013

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Walter Erhardt has taught chemistry for 23 years at the Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center.  His greatest joys have been piquing students’ natural curiosity in chemistry and physics and working with others to develop courses in food science and analytical chemistry. Both areas engage students of varying abilities and science backgrounds. Food Science enlists local food scientists’ expertise in helping students. Analytical Chemistry allows teens to ask their own researchable questions and present projects at local, regional, and national symposia. Walt teaches these courses to 10th-12th graders. As faculty chair, Walt recently led a two-year faculty study of the book "Mindset," which helped raise awareness of how a staff’s mindset affects classroom and school-wide learning atmospheres. Walt has led one-week seminars for teachers on using analytical instruments in the classroom and has made his lesson plans accessible to others. The Michigan Science Teachers Association Journal, Journal of Chemical Education, and the Science Teacher have published his articles—several with the co-authorship of his students. Certified in chemistry and physics, Walt has a B.S. in education from Concordia College and a M.S.T. from Portland State University. His 44-year career includes work in Hong Kong, Detroit, and Portland, OR.

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