Former University of Houston-Clear Lake Program Chair and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Steven Rakow was honored posthumously by the National Science Teachers Association with the presentation of its Legacy Award. The award recognized the significant contributions Rakow made to the association as well as his dedication and service to science education.

UH-Clear Lake prof honored posthumously

University of Houston-Clear Lake Program Chair and Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Steven Rakow was honored posthumously by the National Science Teachers Association with its Legacy Award at the association’s annual conference. Rakow died in 2001 from injuries sustained after a bicycle accident.

The award recognizes the significant contributions Rakow made to the association as well as his dedication and service to science education. 

“He made a positive impact on not only science education but also on many classroom teachers and science educators,” says Brenda Weiser, UH Clear Lake lecturer and director of Environmental Education at the Environmental Institute of Houston. Weiser was instrumental in submitting her former mentor’s name for consideration for the NSTA award.

Rakow, a 17-year UH-Clear Lake School of Education professor, was nationally known for his work that included more than a dozen books or book chapters, and more than 100 articles and technical reports. He served as president of the National Science Teachers Association, and was an active leader and supporter of science education also serving as president of the Science Teachers Association of Texas; board member of the Association for the Education of Teachers in Science; and President-elect of the UH-Clear Lake Chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa. Rakow also served as editor of many national journals, was a consultant for the National Science Foundation and worked with the Houston Children's Museum to bring a love of science to countless urban and suburban children.

Throughout his career, Rakow was the recipient of multiple awards including being named an Honorary Life Member to the Science Teachers Association of Texas. He received the Rebecca Sparks Award from the Texas Council for Elementary Science, and the President’s Distinguished Service Award from UH-Clear Lake.

In recognition of his many contributions to UH-Clear Lake and the science education profession, a scholarship endowment was created in Rakow’s memory.  The scholarship is awarded to students who are preparing to be teachers during their teacher internship.  For more information about the endowment, call the UH-Clear Lake Office of University Advancement, 281-283-2021.