
CHEMWEST

TEACHER NETWORK
ABOUT CHEMWEST TEACHER NETWORK
​​ChemWest is a nonprofit organization established in 1985, dedicated to connecting chemistry teachers across the Midwest.
Our meetings serve as a valuable forum for sharing information, ideas, teaching materials, methodologies, and safety regulations, embodying our commitment to "teachers sharing with teachers."
We proudly serve a geographical area that includes Chicago and its suburbs, with regular participation from six Illinois counties and metropolitan Chicago. With a mailing list of over 400 pre-college and college chemistry educators, we meet at high schools, colleges, and industries, attracting between 35 to 150 teachers at our monthly.
Our email newsletter, the Periodic Cable, keeps members updated on local and events, as well as innovative ideas and materials shared by ChemWest participants.

Our History & Philosophy
ChemWest was founded in 1985
by Lee Marek (Naperville North H.S.), Bob Lewis (Downers Grove North H.S.), and DeWayne Lieneman (Glenbard South High School).
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After 40 years, we have hosted hundreds of meetings and reached thousands of science educators, helping to share the magic of chemical education.


ChemWest unites science educators to ignite student curiosity in STEM
Through monthly collaborations, teachers exchange innovative ideas, labs, and lessons that bring science to life and open doors to future career opportunities.