Dr. Bruce Palmquist, Central Washington University physics and science education professor, has been named as the 2005 Washington State Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). 

Palmquist has spearheaded Central’s teacher preparation program at Green River Community College as well as partnering on initiatives with GRCC’s Project TEACH (Teacher Education Alliance for Colleges and High Schools) program.  Project TEACH links K-12, GRCC, and CWU undergraduate programs to create a seamless path for students to follow into the teaching profession. 

“Many education students are most afraid of teaching the subject of science,” Palmquist said.  “They don’t realize that science is fun because of the way they were taught in high school and college (where) they hear a lecture, learn big words, and memorize equations.  But, when I can help them realize science is about exploring and doing experiments, and when they learn that’s the way to teach kids, they feel more comfortable.” 

Palmquist joined the Central faculty in 1993 after completing his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota.  He was named the CWU 2004 Distinguished Public Service Professor.