I truly felt honored just being nominated for the Presidential Award knowing the caliber of other educators who have gone on to win this, especially within my own school. This award recognizes the reciprocal support between STEM teachers to better each other, and the importance of teaching mathematics. This award is a celebration of the partnership between my students and I to find value, joy, and success in mathematics. Above all, it motivates me to continue to improve my teaching.

Lora Levenseler Rockport, ME | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Lora Levenseler has been a high school mathematics teacher for 13 years. The first four years of her career she taught at Hermon High School. The most recent nine years have been with Camden Hills Regional High School, where she has taught Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry and Advanced Math Topics, and Precalculus. Lora also previously taught adult education mathematics courses in the Five Town Community School District. In Lora’s classes, she promotes collaboration and discourse among students. She aspires to make her students feel comfortable in the classroom and find confidence in their problem solving rather than fear. She emphasizes and supports her students’ growth using real world and prior knowledge connections. She also incorporates technology into every lesson giving students many avenues to be successful. Outside of the classroom, Lora has worked to build a strong community at Camden. She held the Department Head position for three years, recently resigning as she started a family. Presently, she advises the Women’s Advocacy Club, and the senior class. She organizes bi-monthly assemblies to showcase students’ creativity and accomplishments and is part of a committee that will focus on Social Emotional Development in the coming years. She also assists staff members with the school’s learning management system and other technology-related issues, occasionally leading professional development on these topics. Lora Earned a B.A. in mathematics from Stonehill College and an M.S.Ed. from the University of New England with a focus on Curriculum and Instructional Strategies. She is a certified mathematics teacher in Maine for grades 7-12.

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