James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching
James Bryant Conant Award in High School Chemistry Teaching supports high school chemistry teachers by rewarding outstanding teaching that challenges students and inspires interest in chemistry.
Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: August 5, 2026 (2028 nominations open) | December 5, 2026 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 award plus up to $2,500 in travel reimbursement
Summary: Recognizes outstanding high school chemistry teachers in the United States and its territories through a national teaching award.
Key Information: Nominees must actively teach chemistry in grades 9–12; retired teachers are ineligible.
Description
Administered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), this annual award recognizes, encourages, and stimulates outstanding high school chemistry teaching in the United States and its territories. It emphasizes teaching quality, especially unusually effective presentation methods, and teachers’ ability to challenge and inspire students.
The award also values extracurricular chemistry activities, including science fairs and science clubs, that stimulate young people’s interest in chemistry and related sciences. Professional growth is another priority, demonstrated through advanced study, refresher courses, summer institutes, scientific meetings, and other forms of self-improvement. Established in 1965, the award is supported by the Conant Award Endowment, established beginning in 2017 by the Journal of Chemical Education and ChemEd X.
