Wentz is top science teacher of year

— Unique, outstanding - that’s what educators have to say about the Advanced Placement science teacher at Pea Ridge High School, David Wentz.

Wentz was selected as the AllAmerican Science Teacher of the Year by the National Math and Science Initiative.

Already recognized by his peers locally asa quality teacher, Wentz is now recognized nationally.

“David has been an outstanding AP Chem teacher for several years ... has had amazing results, even one year having all 15 of his students receiving a qualifying score,” said Debbie Bilyeu, science content director for Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science. “David is an outstanding presenter and has accomplished much to further the cause of AP science in the state of Arkansas.”

Wentz has taught at Pea Ridge for 17 years.

“I can’t begin to tell you howmuch he’s appreciated,” Rick Neal, principal, said, adding that Wentz has been a huge factor in garnering the Exxon Mobile grant as part of AAIMS and testing close to 200 students in Advanced Placement.

“He’s recognized all over the state. He holds a lot of in-services across the country.

“We are fortunate to have him,” Neal told the School Board Monday night in presenting Wentz.

Neal said Wentz drives from Fayetteville every day to teach at Pea Ridge High School. “He could go anywhere he wants.”

Wentz enjoys inspiring students to learn. He remembers one student in particular who had not signed up for an AP course as a sophomore. He said he stopped her in the hall and asked her to try the AP Chemistry course. He said, “She said she was terrified, that she was scared of me.”

That student went on to qualify in AP Chem, to go to the University of Tulsa, be named to the Honors Society of Women in Chemistry and plans to goon to medical school. “She later told me if I had not stopped her in the hall and talked to her, she would not have taken an AP class. She wanted to protect her straight A status.”

Another student, now an engineer, came back yearsafter being in AP Chemistry and thanked Wentz because he did not have to take chemistry in college since he qualified in AP Chem.

“A lot of these kids do well whether they meet Mr. Wentz or not,” Wentzsaid. “They’re smart kids.”

Many of his AP students return from Saturday prep sessions at other schools saying: “We rocked. We were the only ones answering the questions,” Wentz said.

News, Pages 1 on 04/11/2012