Physics and honors chemistry teacher Jobe Youssi has been named the recipient of the 2024 Frank Zuerner New Science teacher award, given by the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers. This honor is bestowed to an elementary, middle or high school science teacher in his/her first five years of teaching and recommended as outstanding by at least one other science teacher.

Youssi has been a STEM Teacher at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee for the past year. He previously was the STEM teacher at Academy of Excellence High School. Paul Fleisch, his department chair said, “Jobe has a knack for breaking down the material into elements that students can grab onto, ultimately getting them to understand and demonstrate their knowledge at a level they didn’t expect.”

Youssi focuses on providing students with authentic science experiences in an inquiry-based classroom. He wants to rely on students’ creativity and critical thinking to help replace their underlying misconceptions. He uses investigation into natural phenomena and the Next Generation Science Standards with an emphasis on science and engineering practices.

Principal Jeff Monday saw that he has an “interest in increasing scientific literacy and addressing common misconceptions about science [and] that his involvement in various workshops, training, and professional organizations further highlights his devotion to the field of education and his desire to remain at the forefront of best teaching practices.”

Youssi is also the Science Olympiad coach and has tested and implemented continuing education programs for teachers to increase literacy using online learning software. He is a Google Certified Educator and a WSST conference presenter. He also has completed mission trips to Mexico and other countries.

Mr. Youssi earned his bachelor's degree in kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, a doctorate in physical therapy from Concordia University Wisconsin, and has returned to UWM to work on his master's degree in education.