HEAD of Chemistry, at Bosworth Independent College, Maria Johnstone has been awarded a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award for her excellence in teaching by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
Formed in 2002 the National Society of High School Scholars recognises academic excellence at school level, with more than 900,000 society members from 20,000 schools in 160 countries.
HEAD of Chemistry, at Bosworth Independent College, Maria Johnstone has been awarded a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award for her excellence in teaching by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
Formed in 2002 the National Society of High School Scholars recognises academic excellence at school level, with more than 900,000 society members from 20,000 schools in 160 countries. James W Lewis and Claes Nobel (a member of the Nobel family who established the Nobel Prize) set up the society in order to recognise those who are gifted and talented and to help support their transition from school to university to career. They also wish to have a positive impact on the global community by highlighting scholarship and network opportunities around the world.
One of Bosworth’s current A Level students, Ahmadreza Esfahanian, who is a NSHSS member, nominated Mrs Johnstone for this award. Ahmadreza wanted to recognise Maria Johnstone’s outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the classroom and describe the lasting difference she has made to her students. Maria is delighted to have been chosen as a role model and is very proud of all her many students’ achievements both during their time at Bosworth and thereafter.
Maria has been teaching A Level Chemistry at Bosworth for 18 years and has been Head of Chemistry for over 11 years.
Originally from Romania, Maria graduated from the Iasi Polytechnic Institute with a first class honours degree in Chemical Engineering. She went onto lecture for four years at the Gr T Popa University of Medicine as an Assistant Lecturer in Cell and Molecular Biology. She has also been awarded a Masters from Leicester University for her research into radon gas and its impact on the health of Northamptonshire residents.
Once recognised by the NSHSS a teacher can then submit articles to the Scholar’s Journal which boasts a readership of nearly one million students, educators and partners, or they can suggest their top students for membership giving them a chance to connect with like-minded people and learn first-hand from university educators as well as educational and corporate sponsors.
With more and more students slowly showing interest in progression to American universities this expanding network is a useful association.