The Presidential Award acknowledges my dedication to instructional excellence. It honors my adventurous, hard-working students who provide the feedback that informs my instruction. It recognizes that reflection on one’s practice improves teaching, and places value on quality and innovative educational practices. It is an opportunity to become a better educator and to encourage others to engage in this process. To be connected to this group of passionate science teachers is an honor and privilege.

Lisa McLellan Windham, ME | 7-12, Science, 2013

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Lisa McLellan has taught chemistry at Windham High School for 12 years. She currently teaches Advanced Placement Chemistry and Honors Chemistry to 10th-12th graders.  Lisa’s passion for science and philosophy of learning by doing make her classroom active and engaging. Her students expect to be challenged, take risks, and tackle guided inquiry problems in the laboratory. Lisa sets high standards of achievement and builds strong laboratory and problem solving skills in her students. By connecting with students, Lisa helps students reach higher aspirations, and she has inspired many to pursue careers in science. Beyond the classroom, Lisa coaches for Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, and American Chemical Society Chemistry Olympiad competitions. Her students have placed among the top in statewide chemistry competitions in each of the nine years since she began coaching. Additionally, Lisa has taken students on science learning expeditions to Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and sailing and snorkeling in the British Virgin Islands. As a professional learning group leader, Lisa helps build a network of reflective educators in her school. She writes science curriculum and leads workshops for her peers. Lisa has mentored new service teachers and pre-service teachers. Lisa has a B.S., summa cum laude, in biology from the University of Southern Maine. She is certified in grades 7-12 physical science instruction. 

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