John F. Loehr is the Science Manager for the Chicago Public Schools supporting science teaching and learning at over 110 high schools. He started his career in education at the University of Illinois at Chicago teaching biochemistry to nursing and nutrition students in the mid-90’s. He first taught high school at the Chicago International School, at the time a small private school, located in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. His long association with the Chicago Public Schools began in 1997 when he accepted a science teaching position at Chicago Vocational High School. During his time with the Chicago Public Schools, John has served as a science department chair at two high schools, created technology infused science lessons, developed district-wide science curriculum frameworks and standardized assessments. In 2006, he coordinated CPS’s effort to develop and administer the first ever district-wide student attitude and engagement survey. This information about how students feel about their personal safety and educational quality is now a prominent part of every high school’s profile in the yearly CPS High School Directory. His work as a classroom teacher and educational researcher has been published in the American Biology Teacher, Journal of Research and Science Teaching, Science Education Review, International Journal of Research & Method in Education, and the Handbook of College Science Teaching. He holds a B.S. in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a M.S. in biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Virginia.

Besides his work with the In Search of Genius Foundation, John is a Regional Director for the Illinois Science Teachers’ Association, an advisor to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Fairchild Challenge Program, a member of the National Science Teachers’ Association Committee on Science Education Research. Away from science, he serves as a firefighter for the Garden Homes Fire Protection District, one of the last all volunteer fire departments in Cook County, and as the Treasurer for the Garden Homes Firefighters’ Association. One day he hopes to improve his golf game.