Bronx teacher wins award for
Transforming Science Education
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, D 22 ECEMBER 13-19, 2019 BTR
Aida Rosenbaum, an earth sciecne teacher at the
Bronx Latin School, was honored on December 11
for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics
in New York City Public High Schools
Photo Courtesy Julia Discenza
BY JASON COHEN
A Bronx teacher was recently the
recipient of a prestigious award for science
education in the NYC.
On Wednesday, December 11, Aida
Rosenbaum, who teaches earth science
and AP environmental science at the
Bronx Latin School, 800 Home Street,
was one of seven teachers recognized
at the city’s 11th Annual Sloan Awards
for Excellence in Teaching Science and
Mathematics in New York City Public
High Schools.
The awards ceremony was held at
the Great Hall at Cooper Union. Each
winner received $5,000 and their respective
school’s science or mathematics
department got $2,500 towards
strengthening their program.
“It feels very surprising; surreal
almost,” Rosenbaum said. “Going
into this fi eld, you don’t expect to get
awarded or recognized.”
Rosenbaum, 39, who has been teaching
for 16 years, grew up in Washington
Heights, but today resides in Riverdale.
She told the Bronx Times that teach-
ing runs in her family. Her mother,
Marian Brady, was an educator for
many years, her sister, Leola Brady
Price is an English as a Second Language
(ESL) teacher and her husband,
Dan Rosenbaum, is also an earth science
teacher.
She followed in her mom’s footsteps
and enjoys what she does for a living.
However, she originally wanted to be a
scientist, but eventually realized teaching
has much more an impact on students.
“She defi nitely taught me from the
beginning that you have to take care of
children and children are fi rst, no matter
what’s going on in your career,” she
said.
She earned her B.A. in Environmental
Studies from Mount Holyoke
College in South Hadley, Mass., and her
M.P.A. in Earth System Science, Policy
and Management from Columbia University.
“I became a teacher when I realized
basic knowledge about science is lacking,”
she commented. “I fortunately
had a lot of wonderful teachers growing
up.”
Science always fascinated her, she
said. She spent her summers in day
camp exploring nature and loved it.
As she got older she saw the importance
of educating children about climate
change, the environment and environmental
justice.
She is also the Science Department
team leader, a facilitator of the Youth
Court, the Gardening Club teacher,
a coach of new-teacher mentors, the
school EDTech specialist and a member
of the Learning Partners Program
working to share best practices between
schools.
“I love science,” she stressed. “I
think teaching earth science is amazing.
Teaching climate change has been
a big part of my day.”
According to Rosenbaum, the award
came as a total surprise. She found out
her principal Annette Fiorentino nominated
her and fi ve of her colleagues and
three students spoke on her behalf.
Rosenbaum noted that her family
and students attended the award ceremony.
“To get recognition and to get prize
money, honestly I’m fl attered,” she
said.