Upper School Science Teacher Alice Lurain is the 2017-18 recipient of the Parent Association Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Established in 2005, the annual award celebrates the professional achievements of one of Packer's master teachers who demonstrates consistent excellence through his or her ability to inspire and educate Packer students. 

In writing their nominations, Packer families and colleagues spoke to Dr. Lurain's strengths as an educator: 

“Hers is one of the most respected voices on the Upper School Faculty. She truly sees each student’s individual strengths and is able to clearly articulate how they can improve.”

"She recognizes and embraces the idea that teaching involves the whole child. She doesn’t pay lip-service to the concept... [it is] the lens through which she views all of her interactions.”

“I cannot say how highly I value having a teacher this masterful about her craft, and so willing to engage in thoughtful conversations about teaching at Packer.”

“[Alice] sets the standard for excellence as a professional, both as a classroom teacher as well as a colleague. Plainly put, she makes chemistry cool." 

Dr. Lurain is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where she was Phi Beta Kappa, and earned her PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a previous recipient of the Stutt Chair for Excellence in Teaching Math, Science, and Technology. 

"I love that every day as I walk through the halls of Packer, I exchange greetings with students, faculty, and staff. It is a wonderfully welcoming and affirming feeling to be seen and acknowledged with warmth, and often, with enthusiasm. I don't take this for granted, and I think it reflects the strength of our relationships and the value we place on community in our school." — Read Alice's interview in our Know Your Pelicans series.