FHS chemistry teacher recognized as outstanding educator

FHS teacher Kelly Rolfes (Brock) has been named the High School Chemistry Teacher of the Year 2022 by the Cincinnati Local Section of the American Chemical Society. In its congratulatory email, the Society noted that [her] "dedication, hard work, and advocacy of science learning benefits all students and helps them to become lifelong learners, well-informed voters, and for some, future scientists." 

 

Mrs. Rolfes has been teaching for 28 years, 26 of those in Franklin, where she teaches Honors Chemistry II, Honors Chemistry I, and Chemistry. She received her BS from Miami University in Oxford, her Master's from Wright State, and her Master's plus 30 from University of Dayton and University of Cincinnati. At FHS, she serves as the science department chair, is a co-advisor of the National Honor Society, and is a member of both the building leadership team and the district leadership team. 

 

Rolfes said her philosophy of education is that "Every student can learn chemistry; they just need someone to believe they can."  She added, "I want my students to be excited about chemistry like I am. I want them to be confident in their skills." 

 

Mrs. Rolfes said she doesn't know who nominated her, only that it was a member of the Cincinnati chapter of the ACS. She will be honored at the April 28 meeting of the local section and will also be featured in an article of the section's newsletter, Cintacs.