Charles Hayes Wins $10,000 Cash Prize for Positive Impact on His Students and School

Shell USA Inc. and the National Science Teaching Association today announced that Charles Hayes, a science teacher at Highland Oaks Elementary School in Memphis, Tennessee, is the recipient of the 2022 Shell Science Teaching Award. During an award ceremony at the NSTA National Conference in Houston earlier this month, Hayes was formally recognized for his achievement.

“Science teachers who exhibit exemplary instructional methods and enthusiastically engage students in inquiry based practices improve student interest, achievement and pursuit of technical disciplines,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Director, Shell Workforce Development & Diversity Outreach “They promote core innovation skills - critical thinking, exploration and discovery – all needed for 21st century careers.”

Hayes believes effective science teaching should be student centered, and science is best learned when students take charge of their learning while the teacher serves as a facilitator. Allowing students to investigate, ask questions, and make mistakes and discoveries creates the opportunity for students to increase their science literacy, he contends. In addition, involving students in activities that mirror the work of everyday scientists and engineers increases their interest in science/STEM careers and sets them up for success in science classes in later grades, he maintains.

In February, Hayes was honored with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). He has served as a partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s afterschool STEM program for fifth graders; has written a grant to introduce 3-D printing to students in grades 3–5; and co-sponsors an initiative to maintain the learning garden granted to Highland Oaks Elementary by Big Green, a national nonprofit agency.

Hayes received the Shell Science Teaching Award for his positive impact on his students and school through exemplary classroom science teaching. He was awarded a $10,000 cash prize from Shell USA Inc. and expenses to attend NSTA’s National Conference in Houston, which took place March 31–April 2.

“Charles Hayes strives to make science interesting and relevant to the everyday lives of his students,” said NSTA President Eric Pyle. “He has dedicated himself to providing his students with quality science learning experiences and to helping his colleagues meet the same goal. On behalf of NSTA, I offer my congratulations and thanks to Mr. Hayes for his commitment to excellence in science education.”

In addition to Hayes, two finalists were selected. Lacey Hoosier, a science teacher at Buckeye High School in Deville, Louisiana, and Jennie Warmouth, a science teacher at Spruce Elementary School in Linwood, Washington, received expenses to attend NSTA’s National Conference in Houston, and were recognized for their achievements at the award ceremony that took place during the conference.

More information about the Shell Science Teaching Award and the NSTA Teacher Awards Program can be found online at https://www.nsta.org/awards-and-recognition-program.

About Shell USA Inc.

Shell USA Inc. is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell USA Inc. operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future.

FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT: Shell USA Inc. Media Line 832-33-SHELL

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high-quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

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