Robert Grimm has been a remarkable teacher for more than 25 years. His hands-on approach to the teaching and learning of science has made him a legend among his colleagues, and one of the most honored teachers in Illinois. Mr. Grimm is chairman of the Department of Science at William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois.

Throughout his career, Mr. Grimm has linked the exciting scientific developments in society to the lessons he imparts to his students. Indeed, he is widely regarded for his commitment to partnering with industry. Because of his efforts, Fremd High School has established a close working relationship with Motorola, allowing students to experience science and technology outside of the classroom. In 1992, Mr. Grimm spent a year at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, marking the first time the lab had accepted a teacher on sabbatical to join the staff. His honors include the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (1991), Illinois Outstanding High School Physics Teacher of the Year (1984), and the Association for Science and Technology Center’s Honor Roll Teacher (1993). He has received the Township High School District 211 Board of Education’s Outstanding Achievement Award five times. For his distinguished career, Illinois honored Mr. Grimm as its Teacher of the Year in 2002.

Mr. Grimm has a Bachelor of Science degree with teacher certification from MSU (1978), a master’s degree in educational administration (1981) from Northern Illinois University, and a second master’s degree in education (1984) from Eastern Illinois University.