The New England Patriots have named Watertown High School chemistry teacher Liz Mundy as one of their two Massachusetts STEM Teachers of the Year.

Mundy was selected for her unwavering commitment to her students, her dedication to teaching, and her innovative work with CoLAB, a Watertown nonprofit where local life science professionals and high school educators collaborate to inspire students to pursue STEM careers. 

Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll presented the award at the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council Summit, noting that Mundy “arms her students with the belief that they can do whatever they set their minds to. She builds them with new levels of self-confidence and reminds them that the skills they learn in her class will serve them as the leaders of tomorrow.” 

“Winning this award is a huge honor,” said Mundy. “As an educator, I aim to make science accessible to all students regardless of background. In the classroom, I focus on designing lessons that engage all learners, empower all students to take control of their learning, and encourage collaboration through the mobilization of learning and scientific inquiry. It's amazing to be recognized for the great work that CoLAB does to connect scientists to students in the classroom!”

“As a cofounder of CoLAB, Liz has shepherded students into mentoring relationships with STEM professionals, in a program described by one mentee as ‘a world-opening moment in my life.’ She created the CoLAB Club, where scientists join students in real-life, hands-on experiments,” according to Merle Kummer, President of Watertown's CoLAB High School STEM Career Collaboration.

Mundy has spent her entire 13-year teaching career at Watertown High School. She currently teaches AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Level 1 Science for English Language Learners. Mundy also leads multiple student clubs, including the Watertown Gender-Sexuality Alliance, the Feminist Coalition, and the CoLAB Club. 

The award, which was created by Patriots owner Robert Kraft in 2012, recognizes and honors Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers in Massachusetts who make significant contributions to their school, community, and the STEM field. Mundy shares this year’s honor with Tammy Rumplik, a middle school teacher in Agawam.

In winning the award, Mundy is invited to serve a one-year term on the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and will receive tickets to an upcoming Patriots home game. The Patriots Foundation and the Executive Office of Education will also donate $5,000 to Watertown High School for STEM-related uses.