Milton O. Pella, age 96, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2010, at UW Hospital in Madison.

Dr. Milton Orville Pella was a native of Wisconsin, born in Wilmot in 1914. He attended elementary and high school in Burlington, earned his B.E. Degree at the Milwaukee State College and both his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After completing his Master of Science degree, Dr. Pella spent four years in the military from 1942 to 1946.

Beginning in 1939, Dr. Pella (known as “Doctor” to his students) taught at Wisconsin High School on the campus of the University of Wisconsin. In 1948 Dr. Pella became a member of the university faculty, holding the position of Full Professor at retirement in 1980. While teaching at UW Madison, Dr. Pella was much sought after as an education consultant and teacher by many middle-east countries where he spent considerable time. In addition, he was active as a consultant and board member to a variety of federally funded science programs during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Many of Dr. Pella’s former graduate students hold leadership positions in colleges and universities across the nation.

Dr. Pella was an active professional educator involved not only in WSST, but also the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. He authored (in addition to science texts) A History of the North Central Association of Math and Science Teachers (now known as the Association of Science and Math Teachers).

The many students of Dr. Pella will tell you of his demanding and clear standards of achievement. He was not inclined to befuddle his conversation with professional jargon, and he impressively commanded a wealth of knowledge about science education late in life.

Even though Dr. Pella did not directly participate in designing the federally funded modern science curricula of the 60s, his students were required to possess expert knowledgeable of these programs. They were also constantly reminded not to embrace change without a critical eye; he did not chase fads.

The Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers was one of Dr. Pella’s major professional interests. After providing the impetus and then the leadership that launched WSST, he has contributed years of advice and support to the organization. In addition, many of his former students have occupied positions of influence within WSST, keeping it pointed at its single goal of improving science education in Wisconsin.

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