Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) recently hosted the 2025 PREM Teacher-Training Program—a professional development opportunity tailored for high school chemistry teachers. This weeklong program offered participants engaging, hands-on experiences and resources aligned with Louisiana’s academic standards.

Led by Asem Abdulahad, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Principal Investigator of XULA’s PREM program, the training brought together a cohort of dedicated educators eager to enhance their chemistry instruction. Chemistry faculty members Margo Montgomery-Richardson and Joseph Chaney also contributed to the program’s success.

Throughout the week, participants explored a series of carefully designed, low-cost, classroom-ready chemistry experiments that emphasized active learning, student engagement, and inquiry-based approaches. Each day featured two focused sessions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—covering topics ranging from acid-base reactions to macromolecular chemistry.

The PREM Teacher-Training Program reflects Xavier University of Louisiana’s ongoing commitment to excellence in STEM education and community engagement.

Educators left the training equipped with practical tools to implement in their classrooms, including detailed experiment guides, adaptable lesson plans, and a strengthened peer network of fellow chemistry teachers across the region.