Karen Loweke is a Chemistry Instructor at the International Baccalaureate School at Bartow High School in Bartow, FL. Ms. Loweke has an extensive career spanning over 20 years, and has taught both Chemistry and Physics courses in several schools across Polk County, Florida. Prior to joining the faculty at George Jenkins High School in 2010, she was instrumental in the development and implementation of AP Chemistry and Physics programs at Frostproof Middle-Senior High and Mulberry High school. In 2016, Ms. Loweke began her current position in the International Baccalaureate School at Bartow High. Her colleague says of her: “Ms. Loweke reaches across all student demographics to meet individual student needs in her various courses. Her organization, content knowledge, openness to new ideas, and especially her ability to inspire students, provides an example for all instructors.”

Ms. Loweke earned her Bachelor of Science in Science Education from the University of South Florida, and a Masters of Science in Mathematics Education from Walden University.

This award is supported by the Florida Section and recognizes excellence in teaching of chemistry at the high school level. It consists of a plaque and $250. The teacher’s school will receive an additional $250 for teaching support. As part of this award, Ms. Loweke will become the FLACS nominee for the James Bryant Conant award, which is the award presented to a high school teacher at the Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society.