My life changed significantly in 1992 with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. Prior, I thought I would serve in the classroom until retirement. Instead I ultimately served as President of my state science association, the NSTA Board, and as President of the NSELA. My national involvement is a direct result of the award. It not only furthered my personal service and learning but also established a strong network of colleagues across the country.

Susan Koba Omaha, NE | 7-12, Science, 1992

Susan Koba, Science Education Consultant, provides science professional development for school districts and consults with NSTA as they offer workshops about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). She has published and presented on topics including school and teacher change, equity in science, action research, and the NGSS. Susan contributed to multiple NSTA Press efforts, including authorship of "Hard-to-Teach Biology Concepts" and co-authorship of "Discover the NGSS Workshop Facilitator’s Guide". She developed curriculum at the local, state, and national levels and served as Curriculum Specialist for a U.S. Department of Education Technology Innovation Challenge Grant. She is Past President of the National Science Education Leadership Association, past-Director of Coordination and Supervision on the NSTA Board, and a Past President of her state chapter. She has received numerous awards including the Outstanding Biology Teacher for Nebraska, Christa McAuliffe Fellowship Awardee, and the 2017 NSTA Citation for Distinguished Service to Science Education. She received the Presidential Award for Excellence in 1992 while teaching various biology courses at Omaha North High School. Susan retired after over 30 years in the Omaha Public Schools where she taught for over 20 years, served as a district mentor and leader, and was Project Director and Professional Development Coordinator for the district’s Urban Systemic Program (USP). During the USP, she coordinated science and mathematics professional development for 60 schools. She received her B.S. in biology and secondary education from Doane College (1971), M.A. in biology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha (1977), and Ph.D. in science education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1996).

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