Sidney Clow
In 1970, Branford High School was delighted when Sid Clow picked Branford as the town he would bring his passion for science to. He taught with enthusiasm and a hands-on approach that made the required subject of biology come alive and become a subject students were excited about. He was instrumental in developing three levels of courses in science education at Branford. The first being topic based biology and physiology courses, the second was three levels of biology and two levels of physiology and the third being an interdisciplinary science and automotive course, all of which he taught with equal enthusiasm.
His classroom was alive with animals of all kinds and he used this as an opportunity to teach students how to handle and care for them. Students would bring him injured or abandoned animals and then he would teach them to nurse them back to health. Sid was also able to instill in many of his students the appropriate attitude towards the keeping and caring for all sorts of animals. This is commonly known as animal husbandry today even though the High School did not have such a course at the time. Many students ended up pursuing medical and science careers because of the start that Sid gave them.
Sid’s own background might be why he was able to reach students of all levels, especially those that were most needy. At age two, Sid’s father passed away and his mother was ill. He and his four siblings ended up as wards of the State. Spending time in foster homes from Milford to Hamden, Sid finally landed in East Haven where he graduated from high school. He joined the Navy and served in the submarine service as a sonar man. After his four years were up, Sid worked as an electrician during the day and attended New Haven College at night in electrical engineering. Because he loved science and teaching, he transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he earned a teaching certificate specializing in biology. Later he would go on to earn a Masters, Sixth Year and Sixth Year plus 30 certifications.
After graduating from Southern, Sid began his teaching career in Branford. He was soon nicknamed “Super Sid” by Hall of Famer, Dom Cote. He became involved in the teachers’ association (BEA) where he served in many positions on the executive board, including president and chief negotiator. In addition, Sid began an Environmental Club.
Sid also did electrical work with Hall of Famer, Phil DeLise, on weekends and for forty years has done clock repairs, including owning a clock repair shop in Guilford called, “Ye Old Clock Shop”.
In retirement Sid continues to do clock repairs, is a handy man for his son’s business and every year hosts an end of the school year picnic for retired teachers at his home in North Branford. Sid and his wife, Nancy, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They enjoy traveling but mostly enjoy spending time with their family; adult children Ashley and Wesley and their five grandchildren: Peyton, Jadyn, Caitlin, Wesley and Ashley.
Branford High School was most fortunate to have had such a student focused teacher and mentor dedicated to expanding the science programs, exposing students to the care and responsibility in saving animals and establishing a hands-on learning approach which increased the science experiences for all students.
His classroom was alive with animals of all kinds and he used this as an opportunity to teach students how to handle and care for them. Students would bring him injured or abandoned animals and then he would teach them to nurse them back to health. Sid was also able to instill in many of his students the appropriate attitude towards the keeping and caring for all sorts of animals. This is commonly known as animal husbandry today even though the High School did not have such a course at the time. Many students ended up pursuing medical and science careers because of the start that Sid gave them.
Sid’s own background might be why he was able to reach students of all levels, especially those that were most needy. At age two, Sid’s father passed away and his mother was ill. He and his four siblings ended up as wards of the State. Spending time in foster homes from Milford to Hamden, Sid finally landed in East Haven where he graduated from high school. He joined the Navy and served in the submarine service as a sonar man. After his four years were up, Sid worked as an electrician during the day and attended New Haven College at night in electrical engineering. Because he loved science and teaching, he transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he earned a teaching certificate specializing in biology. Later he would go on to earn a Masters, Sixth Year and Sixth Year plus 30 certifications.
After graduating from Southern, Sid began his teaching career in Branford. He was soon nicknamed “Super Sid” by Hall of Famer, Dom Cote. He became involved in the teachers’ association (BEA) where he served in many positions on the executive board, including president and chief negotiator. In addition, Sid began an Environmental Club.
Sid also did electrical work with Hall of Famer, Phil DeLise, on weekends and for forty years has done clock repairs, including owning a clock repair shop in Guilford called, “Ye Old Clock Shop”.
In retirement Sid continues to do clock repairs, is a handy man for his son’s business and every year hosts an end of the school year picnic for retired teachers at his home in North Branford. Sid and his wife, Nancy, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They enjoy traveling but mostly enjoy spending time with their family; adult children Ashley and Wesley and their five grandchildren: Peyton, Jadyn, Caitlin, Wesley and Ashley.
Branford High School was most fortunate to have had such a student focused teacher and mentor dedicated to expanding the science programs, exposing students to the care and responsibility in saving animals and establishing a hands-on learning approach which increased the science experiences for all students.