Every year, students, staff and administrators alike place nominations for who they believe is the best educator at Del Val. Out of 44 different nominees, this year’s recipient is a beloved science teacher: Caryn Bowe.

Bowe’s career didn’t begin in teaching—she initially pursued a career in research, working in biotech labs. However, she got a taste of educating early in her career while student teaching in graduate school.

“When I was right out of college I went to grad school right away, and I taught undergraduates in labs, and basically AP Chem,” Bowe said.

Bowe subsequently chased a career in research; however, after going through some career changes, she decided to redirect her skills into teaching. Her first official teaching position began at Del Val 15 years ago. Since then, she has taught chemistry at a variety of levels including AP, Honors and college prep, and has grown to love it.

“My favorite part is when we are doing some kind of lesson, and you watch the kid go from not understanding to understanding; it’s super cool when you see it click,” Bowe said.

Bowe has had a positive impact on both students and her peers. Junior Chelsea Coffin is a current student of Bowe, and has witnessed her excellence first hand.

“She’s really nice and fun,” Coffin said. “She brings a really good energy and explains things really well.”

However, her impact ranges wider than just students. Her fellow colleague, physics teacher James Gessner, has worked alongside Bowe in the science department since her start back in 2010.

“I was very happy [when she won] because she was one of the people who walked through here, and we kind of recruited her,” Gessner said. “We all liked her from the very beginning.”

Gessner further explained how the two work with one another, and that Bowe is always someone he can rely on whenever he needs it.

“I can’t think of anybody more deserving to get the honor,” Gessner said.