It wasn't the usual lunch fare — chicken and veggies with a side of ulcerated rodent backs.

Lest this column trigger a health department investigation, allow me to explain. The lunch crowd was a group of scientists and scientist wannabees. The Utah Museum of Natural History was honoring three terrific science teachers with its annual Science Educator of the Year Award at a downtown hotel. Dr. Glenn Prestwich, presidential professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Utah and entrepreneur, was holding court as the guest speaker.

Prestwich showed slides demonstrating the remarkable healing power of a gel he and his research colleagues have developed. It has been used to help restore cartilage in animal knees. Other forms of this goo, which had been turned into a sponge-like substance, had been applied to animals' broken bones. Still more of this goo had been applied to open wounds in a variety of veterinary subjects. The possibilities in humans are breathtaking.

But what struck me most about that day wasn't Prestwich's work, which says a lot considering he's a gifted scientist, academician and entrepreneur. He has created several companies, among them Sentrx Animal Care, Echelon BioSciences, and Glycosan Biosys- tems.

Despite his many successes, Prestwich harkens back to the genesis of his interest in science. "I'm here because I was inspired by science teachers like you," he said, referring to honorees Bryce Ballif of Fremont High in Plain City, Nancy Nelson of Fairfield Junior High of Kaysville and Lehi High School's Revabeth Russell.

We cannot underestimate the role teachers play in shaping young minds and futures. My sense is Prestwich would have been a smashing success in whatever path he took. He not only knows medical science, he knows how to get discoveries to the marketplace and attain patents for them. He also is a fine photographer and sings first tenor in the Utah Symphony Chorus.

But he clearly appreciates that it takes a good teacher to light the fire. It takes people willing to use innovations in teaching to motivate students to learn and to push themselves.

As I sat at this particular luncheon, I thought to myself, what if all the people who are gifted in their particular area of study chose to work in commercial enterprises instead of teaching school? People who go into teaching don't do it for financial gain. There are a lot easier ways to make money that do not involve dealing with unruly students, difficult parents and school bureaucracy.

It's not sufficient, though, to say that teaching is its own reward and that teachers go into it knowing that they won't strike it rich teaching school. Adequate compensation is not just providing a living wage. It's a matter of demonstrating respect to men and women who dedicate themselves to being career educators. It's about having teachers in the classroom who can inspire the next generation's Glenn Prestwich.