New York City teacher Kimberly Lau has garnered a 2022 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science & Math. Photo credit: The Midwood Argus

I always enjoy sharing stories about excellent educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Kimberly Lau, a STEM teacher from New York. She has been named a recipient of the 2022 Sloan Award for Excellence in Teaching Science & Math.

The Sloan Awards recognize the exceptional work of educators in New York City public high schools. The awards cast a spotlight on educators who achieve superb results while inspiring youth to excel in science and mathematics and pursue careers in related fields. Kimberly is one of seven New York educators who have been honored this year.

Kimberly teaches Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, Ocean Science, and Culinary Science courses at Midwood High School. Midwood is a public high school located on the campus of Brooklyn College. The school partners with the college to offer courses in Advanced Placement in three main programs: Medical Science, Humanities, and Liberal Arts.

It just so happens that Midwood is Kimberly’s high school alma mater. After seeing the dedication of her teachers when she was in school, she knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps. After her graduation from college, she substituted at Midwood, and in 2013 she was offered a permanent position teaching chemistry.

Kimberly is well-liked and highly-respected among her students. “I learned a great deal about science in the classes I took with Ms. Lau,” expresses former Midwood student Alyssa Kattan. “But she also taught me so much more, including how to aim high.” Student Faith Matthew agrees. “When we make a mistake, Mrs. Lau doesn’t correct us in a way that’s discouraging,” Faith declares. “She does it in a way that makes us want to do better next time. So every time I’m in one of her classes, I always see a linear increase of how well I do because she makes me want to try harder,” Faith continues.

In addition to her selection for a Sloan Award, Kimberly also garnered the Sidney Millman Award in 2021. Since 2017, she has also served as a Master Teacher for Math for America.