Photo courtesy of Sherry Hodges

AP Chemistry is what makes this teacher stand out from the rest. She teaches it with grace, but also alone. Unlike many of the AP courses at CHS, AP Chemistry is only taught by one person, Ms. Hodges. Ms. Hodges teaches with a passion for chemistry both in Honors and AP Chemistry and has worked diligently at CHS since 1998. She attended Roanoke college for her undergraduate degree, a bachelors in science, specifically chemistry where she intended to become a chemist, but as we know that isn’t where her degree led.

Ms. Hodges teaches via practice, she isn’t just talking at her students. She uses engaging labs to prove and show the concepts she teaches. Currently, her labs are being affected by the scheduling issues, but that hasn’t stopped her from promoting group work and making sure that her students can still understand what the labs she teaches accomplish.

“I love chemistry! I want to share my passion for chemistry with students who will appreciate this passion!”

Ms. Hodges gained her dedication to teaching by learning that her love for chemistry didn’t mean she wanted to be a chemist, so under the advice of her mother she went back to school to be an educator and share her love. Her devotion to chemistry has clearly translated to her students and her commitment to teaching in a supportive and helpful manner. Her favorite stories about her students are about students that have grown up and become chemists, some even sent emails and letters to thank her for her persistence in teaching them chemistry.

“Students need to try on their own but always know that I am just behind them if they need a little push.”

Students in her class such as Amber Repass speak to her power as a great teacher who makes sure to teach in the ways that best aid her students. She also has students like Celia Deveaux who believe “She has done her best to teach us and keep it as engaging as possible,” despite the scheduling constraints set forth by the admin.

“My class will prepare students to learn how to think in a critical way and problem-solve.”