Shoreham-Wading River High School science teacher Mr. Kevin Nohejl was selected as a New York State winner of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers Eastern Section’s Outstanding Earth Science Teacher award. This year marks the 19th year of Mr. Nohejl teaching earth science at the High School. His charismatic and passionate approach to teaching science has led to a student-centered and participant-driven classroom. Last year, he was instrumental in leading SWR students in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, a competition which allows student teams to design a scientific experiment to be performed aboard the International Space Station. His passion for agriculture and sustainable practices led him to develop curriculum for a Sustainability and Agriculture program, and he was instrumental in establishing a local chapter of the New York State Future Farmers of America at the High School. In addition to instruction in science, Mr. Nohejl places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship in his lessons.

“We are extremely proud to have Mr. Nohejl recognized with this honor,” Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gerard Poole said. “His enthusiasm and creative teaching skills extend beyond the classroom, and he is well-regarded in his efforts to expose the dynamics and intricacies of local and global sustainability and agricultural issues to our students.”

Mr. Nohejl was honored with a plaque, membership in the National Association of Geoscience Teachers and the Geological Society of America, access to journals and publications, and an Earth Science Week toolkit from the American Geological Institute. He has also been featured in In the Trenches, the news magazine of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, and has the opportunity to attend the 2021 Eastern Section meeting at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania.