AJC Celebrating Teachers honoree: Robert Katz

Robert Katz

Robert Katz

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is proud to announce its annual community recognition program – the AJC Celebrating Teachers Awards. We believe the very best of the best are worth honoring and giving them the recognition they deserve. This will be a moment of significant pride for the honoree, their family and school.

Robert Katz has a passion for wildlife, and he has shared his knowledge and understanding of the natural world with students in his more than 20-year career in education.

Currently, Katz teaches physics at Norcross High School. His road to becoming an educator began as he was working in the field of wildlife biology after finishing his studies at University of Wisconsin in Madison.

He discovered that his personality, desire to share his knowledge and understanding of the natural world, and commitment to conservation and environmental concerns were well-suited to teaching. After receiving his master’s degree at Clemson University, he began his journey as a science educator.

He has spent the last 17 years of his career at Norcross High School, where he has taught various levels of biology, chemistry and ecology. Many fellow teachers influenced and encouraged him along the way, including veteran educators Paula Lindsey and Patricia Furman.

Outside of the classroom, Katz devotes a good deal of his time to volunteering for the Norcross High Interact Club. Over the past decade, he and the student members of the Interact Club have developed and sustained the school's robust recycling program. The club has also gotten involved with other conservation projects in the greater Norcross community.

Katz lives in Duluth with his wife Linda, who is also teacher, and their two sons. He and his family enjoy traveling, bird-watching and attending live music events.