Chandler science instructor makes grade as one of Time’s innovative teachers

PHOENIX – A Chandler science teacher’s creativity and dedication to students has added up to national attention.

Rachna Nath, who teaches at Arizona College Prep High School in the East Valley city, earned one of 10 spots on the magazine’s inaugural Innovative Teachers 2022 list that was released Wednesday.

Nath was praised by the publication for “creating inventors” with her STEM program, Dream Research Innovate Problem/Project Based Learning.

“We received hundreds of nominations. While each of the nominees has had immeasurable impact on their students’ lives, Time editors selected 10 teachers who stood out for going above and beyond to improve learning experiences for kids who need it, and solving problems schools face today,” the magazine said.

She told the magazine, “I came here and I saw the way I can contribute. I literally became the person I was looking for when I was in my high school.”

The 45-year-old instructor has showed students how to pitch their creations to potential backers, build prototypes and get them patented.

A patent is pending on a hat/headband a group of her students conceived and designed that gets the jump on possible heat stroke.

The hydrothermal hat is equipped with sensors that measure pulse rate and temperature. Those numbers are sent to an app, which alerts the person they need to take action, such as “go inside and drink water” or “dialing emergency contact.”

Another invention from her students is Smart Scents, a nontoxic air freshener.

According to Nath’s website, students have completed 35 projects since 2018.

Follow @KTAR923