The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Iris Szelagowski Inducted 2025 - Teacher

For 30 years, Iris Szelagowski was dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences to motivate students’ interest in science and in the world of science education, her efforts put Woodward on the map. She graduated from the University of Toledo in 1967 and began her teaching career at DeVilbiss High School followed by a year at Rogers High School before arriving at Woodward in 1973.
She was a soft-spoken, dedicated, extraordinary educator who took research, reports, and critical thinking skills to a higher level. She entered her students in numerous local competitions, which led to many winners going on to national competitions in cities all over the country thus expanding their horizons. She had the students participate in the six week long Ottawa River Student Analysis Project each fall near the school. One year they won “Best Overall Presentation” for their findings at Lourdes College. During her tenure the Woodward Science department was awarded The Battelle Award for Professional Development from the Ohio Academy of Science, an award presented to the most outstanding science department in the state.
Iris herself received many honors for her teaching, including being named Northwest Ohio Outstanding Science Teacher twice. She also participated in many professional development activities, served on committees, and directed or assisted with many student-centered activities. She also taught at the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, and Springfield High School before retiring. In her retirement, she enjoys numerous activities such as traveling, reading, playing the pipe organ, and spending time with her grandchildren. Iris married fellow Woodward science teacher Jerry Szelagowski in 1980. They have two children, Kristen (Rob) Frizzell and Jerry (Jamie) Szelagowski, Jr., nephew Brian Linker, and four grandchildren, Owen, Olivia, Riley, and Sawyer.