The privilege of representing my state as a Presidential Award winner has been the capstone of my career. I share this award with the education staff of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. Their knowledge and mission of enhancing science education have been instrumental to my success. Their dedication to the teachers and children of the Midwest has been exceptional. It is my privilege to represent them and the Omaha Public Schools, whose forward thinking and funding brought this program to fruition.

Laura Callahan Omaha, NE | K-6, Science, 2010

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

Laura Callahan has been an educator with the Omaha Public Schools for more than 30 years. She has spent the last 5 years teaching kindergarten in the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo as part of an adopt-a-school partnership between the zoo and Bancroft Elementary. Laura referred to her classroom as an example of a one-room schoolhouse, but with an animal flair. Being the only elementary teacher on the zoo campus and located in her own building, Laura found that she had a few extra duties. Along with teaching the usual curriculum, she had the opportunity to be the lunch lady, custodian, nurse, and counselor. She noted that a big difference between her classroom and other kindergartens was that she had penguins, armadillos, or cockatiels visiting the room. An occasional peacock was known to stroll through if a door was left open. Laura has been an active member of several professional education associations and has served on a local school board. She has been a presenter at the district and regional levels on topics covering early childhood, team building, and technology. Laura has a B.A. and an M.S. in elementary education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She has an M.Ed. from Lesley University. She is certified in elementary and deaf education.

Know a great teacher like Laura Callahan? Nominate them for PAEMST!