Townsend Harris H.S. Honors Award-Winning Teacher

Photo Tony Barsamian (L. to r.): Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Program Director Dr. Paula J. Olsiewski, Townsend Harris H.S. Assistant Principal, Math, Science and Technology Susan Brustein, Katherine Cooper and Townsend Harris H.S. Principal Kenneth Bonamo, all holding a specimen check in the amount of $2,500, presented to Townsend Harris as part of the 2009 annual Sloan Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics. Cooper was one of seven New York City high school mathematics and/or science teachers to receive the award. Townsend Harris H.S. at Queens College on Friday, November 13 honored science teacher Katherine Cooper, one of seven recipients of the Fund for the City of New York’s first annual Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Awards for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics.

The Sloan Awards recognize seven exceptionally dedicated and creative teachers who have achieved outstanding results and inspired students of all backgrounds and abilities to pursue careers in science and mathematics. As part of the award, Townsend Harris received $2,500 to strengthen its science program.

Cooper began her teaching career at Townsend Harris and during the last six years has designed biomedical ethics and anatomy-physiology courses, mentored students who have won Intel Science Awards, and established the Townsend Harris Science Olympiad Club, which has won numerous championships. Her students maintain that she excels at guiding and engaging.

Townsend Harris H.S. at Queens College was designated a National School of Excellence in 1989, and the Intel School of Distinction for Science Excellence in 2008. The student body is comprised of approximately 1,100 academically gifted and culturally diverse individuals who have been selected from the entire city of New York based on demonstrated evidence of high academic motivation and achievement.