Science Teacher Frank Lenox Wins Fellowship

Being recognized beyond your own school is rare in teaching, but Frank Lenox, a physics teacher at East Greenwich High School, had what it takes. Lenox has been recognized as one of only 50 middle and high school teachers from across the country to take part in the exclusiveSiemens STEM institute fellowship designed to bring teachers to the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering and math education.

A graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Lenox decided to become a teacher after spending lots of time working in labs.

“A variety of people influenced me. In taking laboratory science courses, I realized I didn’t see myself doing this for the rest of my life,” he said. “I wanted to be interacting with students.”

He resists the notion that he himself is a special teacher. 

“I have this vision that teachers are all cogs in a wheel and provided we do our part, the machine runs very well. If anything stands out, it’s the fact that I teach a course that is just fascinating at a very fundamental level.”
He mentions the physics’ classes end-of-the-year trip to Six Flags — “What other class can top that?”

Peter McClaren with the state Department of Education (RIDE) is a former EG science teacher himself and Lenox said it was McClaren who suggested he apply. 

“Siemens is a big engineering company... One of the key components of next-generation science standards is make engineering more a part of our science curriculum,” Lenox explained. “I see this as an opportunity for me to learn more about integrating engineering into the average science class.”

“We are very excited in Mr. Lenox's participation in this unique and cutting-edge program,” said EGHS Science Department Chair Nicholas Rath. “It provides excellent resources and training in the areas of STEM — something that is hugely important in training and preparing our students for careers in engineering and mathematics.” 

Lenox will spend a week in Maryland this summer, with the 49 other chosen teachers. He said he was surprised to learn what a big deal it was.

“I didn’t realize how selective it was until after I got selected.”