Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators

Richard M. Staley (1992)

If Richard was asked what he does in life he would say, "I'm a geologist by training and an Earth Science teacher by love."

Richard's geological training was post-Sputnik at Lehigh University where he was offered a free Masters Degree in Geology by the Department Chair, Dr. Ryan, who knew that Dick wanted to go into teaching secondary students.

He was hired by Newton Public Schools in 1965 as Newton's first Earth Science teacher. He developed a hands-on curriculum by using the Earth Science Curriculum Project of the American Geological Institute.

Richard has been involved with a summer experience called the Environmental Science Program since 1967. He was a co-founder of the program that provides 30 new students, under leadership developed from past students and directed by past leaders, with diverse field trips to local (Newton) and other New England environments. The program runs under the umbrella of the City of Newton Conservation Commission.

His most meaningful award was the GTE(GIFT) Growth Initiative for Teachers grant. The money enabled Fall and Spring canoe trips on 40 of the 80 miles of the Charles River and collecting data with all of his student team for the school year. With grant money, Richard was able to experience a two-week EarthWatch to the Outback of Australia to study the possible use of its mineral-rich waters as a mining source for the economy.

Richard continues to lecture at Northeastern University and has been successful in bringing a new field course entitled "Geology of the Boston Area" to his adult students.

Richard is interested in travel and has begun to do more since his retirement from public school life in June of 1997.

Special Honors:

• Recipient of the Environmental Award in 1997, awarded by the Green Decade Coalition of Newton, Massachusetts
• Nominee and Finalist for the Presidential Award in Science for Massachusetts in 1993
• Elected to the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators in 1992
• Recipient of the Growth Initiative for Teachers (GIFT) Grant from 1990 to 1991, awarded to carry out a water quality project on the Charles River with his Science classes
• Named Environmentalist of the Year by Newton Conservators, Incorporated in 1989 for creative teaching of Environmental Science during the school year and development of an outstanding summer Environmental Science Program
• Elected to Membership of the Northeastern University Chapter of Sigma Xi in 1989
• Nominated for the Presidential Award in Science for Massachusetts in 1989
• Recipient of the Environmental Service Award for work with the Environmental Science Summer Program of the Newton Conservation Commission in 1986, issued by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions

Last Modified: October 7, 2004