Amanda Thouvenot, an eighth grade science teacher at Hoech Middle School, is the winner of the Saint Louis Science Center’s 2023 Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics.
Thouvenot, along with four finalists from the St. Louis area, were honored on May 18 at the Science Center by Carol Loeb and Science Center President and CEO Todd Bastean.
As a Loeb Award recipient, Thouvenot received a stipend and the opportunity to attend an educational conference of her choice with all expenses paid.
Hoech Principal Dr. Alexander Terrance said Thouvenot is an outstanding teacher who makes science fun for her students and knows what it takes to help each of them achieve success.
“Amanda is a natural-born educator and has proven herself as someone who can move metrics in the science department,” said Terrance.
Thouvenot, who has spent the last five years of her seven-year career at Hoech, has received several recognitions for her excellence in teaching science. She received the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Shell Science Lab Challenge award in 2019 and the NSTA Maitland P. Simmons Award. She is also the mySci district and building leader for mySci curriculum.
Outside of the school day, Thouvenot sponsors Hoech’s afterschool STEM Club in partnership with Maryville University and the Challenger Learning Center.
Upon announcing Thouvenot as the winner of the Loeb prize, Science Center CEO Todd Bastean added that recognizing STEM teachers such as Thouvenot is critical. “We are proud to continue the 28-year partnership with the Loeb family on this prize that honors outstanding teachers. We know that STEM education is critical in preparing students for success in future careers and appreciate these educators’ efforts to inspire the next generation.”
The Loeb Prize, established in 1995 at the Saint Louis Science Center and endowed in 2002 by a generous gift from Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb, rewards teachers who significantly enhance their students’ performances in the areas of science and mathematics.
“Great teachers generate a love for learning that enables their students to accomplish amazing things,” said Carol Loeb, who has been teaching high school math for more than 60 years. “Through their actions inside and outside the classroom, our award winners display the personal commitment it takes to ensure the well-being of their students. I am honored to recognize innovative teaching styles each year and highlight special educators who are preparing their students to become leaders.”
